The passing of the Odemo of Isara-Remo, in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State last 1 May was a moment of deep mourning for the town. However, the succession process that followed has since sparked controversy, petitions, and widespread public debate.
By custom, the Odemo stool rotates among six ruling houses. This cycle fell to the Otete ruling house, which presented seven eligible candidates including Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Sonupe; Engr. Oladele Amoda; a former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kehinde Osifade; and Prince Olakunle Sodipe. Others are: Prince Adesina Sodipe; Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo; and a former member of the state House of Assembly, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo.
Each contestant was initially required to purchase forms at N5 million, though reports suggest the fee was later reduced to N500,000 after negotiations.
In accordance with Yoruba tradition, the selection of a monarch is guided by Ifa divination rather than voting. According to sources, the oracle was consulted twice in the public view, and a ranking was provided. The divination reportedly placed Sonupe first, followed by Amoda and Osifade. Sodipe and Sodipe were ranked in the middle, while Ogunbayo and Sowemimo were placed near the bottom.
The Oracle was also said to have warned that Ogunbayo’s reign would bring hardship and unrest to the town, a concern that some residents argue is already manifesting in the tense atmosphere surrounding the process.
On 8 September, during the scheduled selection at Isara palace, residents were reportedly unsettled by the presence of multiple uniformed operatives and an armored vehicle. While officials described that as a routine measure for order, eyewitnesses interpreted it as a tactic of intimidation.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Ogunbayo, Chief Executive Officer of Amba Properties Nigeria Limited, was announced as winner with nine out of the 12 kingmakers reportedly voting in his favour. Allegations quickly surfaced that each kingmaker had been offered N10 million and a parcel of land. Later that evening, he was escorted into the Ipebi seclusion chamber, sparking fresh controversy.
The outcome has been met with discontent among a section of the indigenes at home and abroad. Critics argue that tradition was disregarded, the Oracle’s guidance ignored, and undue influence brought to bear on the process. They note with concern that the candidate ranked second to the last by Ifa divination has now been declared the town’s monarch.
Several diaspora groups have petitioned Governor Dapo Abiodun, urging him to investigate the circumstances, halt what they describe as an ‘imposition’, and ensure that the sanctity of tradition is upheld.
For now, Isara-Remo remains divided between those who support Ogunbayo’s declaration, and those who insist the Ifa verdict and due process must be respected to preserve the dignity of the Odemo stool.
The Odemo throne became vacant after the passing of Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe.
With the selection of the new Odemo of Isara, the kingmakers are expected to forward the name of the chosen candidate to the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for necessary action.
