Controversy Trails Selection of New Odemo of Isara-Remo

The passing of the Odemo of Isara-Remo on May 1st, 2025, was a moment of deep mourning for the town, sadly however, the succession process that followed has since sparked controversy, anger, petitions, and widespread public discontent.

By custom and tradition, the Odemo stool rotates among six ruling houses of the town, with this cycle falling on the Otete ruling house, which presented seven eligible candidates in no particular order:

1. Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Sonupe
2. Engr. Oladele Amoda
3. Dr. Kehinde Osifade
4. Olakunle Sodipe
5. Adesina Sodipe
6. Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo
7. Otunba Fatai Sowemimo

According to the rules, each contestant was initially required to procure the stool contestant form at ₦5 million as part of the screening process, though reports revealed that the fee was later reduced to ₦500,000 after consultations.

In accordance with the Yoruba tradition and culture of which Remo is, the selection of an Oba is guided by Ifa divination rather than voting. According to sources, the Oracle was consulted twice in public view, and a ranking was provided. The divination reportedly placed Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Sonupe first, followed by Engr. Oladele Amoda and Dr. Kehinde Osifade. Other candidates such as Olakunle Sodipe and Adesina Sodipe were ranked in the order of 4th and 5th, while Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo and Otunba Fatai Sowemimo placed 6th and 7th respectively.

The Oracle was also said to have warned that the distortion and manipulation of the process other than as divinely chosen, would bring hardship, unrest and discomfort to the town a concern that some residents took to heart religiously.

On September 8th 2025, during the scheduled selection at Isara palace, residents were unsettled by the presence of multiple uniformed operatives and even an armored vehicle. While officials described it as a routine security measure for peace and order, eyewitnesses interpreted it as a tactic of intimidation.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo, a real estate businessman, was announced as winner with all nine kingmakers reportedly voting in his favor. Allegations quickly surfaced that each kingmaker had been offered ₦10 million and a parcel of land. Later that evening, Ogunbayo was escorted into the Ipebi seclusion chamber, sparking fresh uproar, controversy and discontent.

The outcome has been met with discontent among 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, appealing him to investigate the process, halt what they describe as a “manipulation and imposition,” and ensure that the sanctity of the Isara Remo tradition is respected and upheld.

For now, Isara-Remo remains on the edge, tense and divided between those who support the declaration of Ogunbayo, and those who insist the Ifa verdict and due process must be respected to preserve the dignity of the Odemo stool for the peace, progress and prosperity of Isara Remo.