The Odemo of Isara, Oba Peter Ogunbayo, has thrown his weight behind the federal government's establishment of state policing, stating that the move remains the only way out of incessant insecurity plaguing the country.
Community Policing as a Solution
Oba Ogunbayo, speaking ahead of the 57th bi-annual Afotamodi festival scheduled for November this year, disclosed that the best way to tackle insecurity in the country is through community policing. He said, 'That is the best way to tackle the insecurity because there is no way we can rely on the normal conventional police without community policing.'
The monarch added that after his emergence as the traditional ruler of the ancient town, insecurity was one of his priorities. The Isara Security Task Force was constituted in collaboration with traditional chiefs and other stakeholders in the community, noting that the move has brought a robust security environment.
Role of Traditional Rulers
He noted that traditional rulers are the closest representatives of government to the grassroots, positioned to coordinate community security to keep their domains free from external aggressions. He explained that securing the country should not be left in the hands of conventional security agencies alone but with the support of local security groups.
He maintained that such local security initiatives can form a basis for intelligence gathering to enhance the work of security agencies. 'We need to recognize grassroots security outfits, like the Agbekoya, Hunters, the vigilantes, and OPC in terms of securing our community,' he said.
Afotamodi Festival Plans
Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the planning committee of the 57th Afotamodi Day 2026 Festival, Mr. Eric Ola Animashaun Sonupe, explained that the Afotamodi festival remains a symbol of the town's rich history, traditions, and enduring cultural values. Sonupe noted that a sum of N500 million earmarked for the festival is achievable through the support of stakeholders, corporate organizations, indigenes, and friends of Isara Remo both at home and in the diaspora.
He assured residents that the committee would adopt an inclusive approach to ensure that all segments of the community are adequately represented in the planning and execution of the event. The committee chairman added that the current organizers intend to build on previous achievements while introducing new initiatives capable of accelerating development in the town.
Historical Significance
He pointed out that the ancient settlement was founded in the 15th century by Adeyemo Ode-Omo-Ooni, an Ife prince who settled in the area during a hunting expedition alongside his kinsmen, Ise-Orunmila and Aramfe. He emphasized that historical exhibitions and educational programs would be organized during the festival to enlighten residents and visitors about the origin and evolution of the community.
Among the projects earmarked for execution is the renovation and transformation of the palace of the Odemo into a modern traditional institution equipped with offices and facilities befitting its status. He said the proposed upgrade would strengthen the capacity of the monarch to effectively perform both traditional and administrative responsibilities.
He further added that several corporate organizations, including Sonia Foods Industries Limited, International Breweries Plc, Apple & Pears, and Seaman's Schnapps, had already indicated support for the festival, with adequate security for residents and visitors.
