Prince Ajayi stressed that peace and development in Remo remained top of his agenda and that under his headship, all interests would be united to bring about positive development and prosperity to the entire Remo land.
Ajayi stated that since his announcement as the Akarigbo-elect a few days ago, numerous Sagamu and Remo indigenes had signified their intention to cooperate with him in developing the city.
The Akarigbo-elect, who stated these, on Saturday, while receiving members of the Remo Elders’ Forum and the Remo Resource and Recreation Centre, led by Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), in Sagamu, Ogun State, added that he would always be open to advice and guidance on how to develop Remoland.
The Remo Elders’ Forum’s entourage included Sofola, who is the chairman; Asiwaju of Remoland, Chief Solomon Kayode Onafowokan (OON) and the Aare Gbogbogbo of Remoland, Chief Kola Oyefeso and the co-chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, while the duo of Lisa Akarigbo of Remoland, Chief Adeyemi Salami and the Olootu Omoba Michael Oyedele, were also in attendance.
In his speech as the chairman of the Remo Elders’ Forum, Sofola charged the Akarigbo-elect to work towards finding a lasting peace in Sagamu and Remoland, while also calling on him to ensure that he brought together everyone in the task of developing the land.
He revealed the efforts made by the forum in ensuring that Remo got an Akarigbo whom everyone would be proud of, saying that the appointment of Ajayi was a fulfillment of that desire.
Sofola said the forum was gladdened by the appointment of Ajayi as the Akarigbo-elect, hence the decision to pay him a courtesy visit and to show solidarity with him, as well as offer advice on how to bring everyone together in the all-important task of developing Remoland.
Sofola also charged the Oba-elect on the need to ensure an end to all hostilities between Makun and Offin quarters of Sagamu and to also rally everyone in Remo on the task of engendering development.
Also speaking, Dr Awolowo Dosumu, congratulated the Akarigbo-elect, praying that his era would usher in peace, comfort and prosperity for Sagamu and for Remoland.
“It is my prayer that all the efforts and progress made by our fathers over Remoland you will be able to continue with them and to achieve success,” she said.
Responding, Ajayi said: “I am someone who listens to advice and I am very respectful. I urge you not to be far away from me. I may not be able to do everything people say, but I promise to always heed positive advice and guidance. I have listened to all you said, especially over the Makun and Offin face-off. I can tell you that already, we are putting an end to the chapter of hostility. Under my watch, I promise that there will be peace in Sagamu and in Remoland.
“The level of responses and support I have received so far is overwhelming and this shows that our people are ready to cooperate with me to end all misunderstandings and to develop Remoland,” the Akarigbo-Elect said.
Also speaking, Olootu Omoba Oyedele, who spoke on behalf of Sagamu community, appreciated the members of the Remo Elders’ Forum for immediately paying the Akarigbo-Elect a visit to show him that he had elders he could rely on.
“I want to assure you that everything you said about bring peace to Sagamu is already in place. You can see the Lisa Akarigbo of Remo here and that is to tell you that Kabiyesi’s policy is that of no victor, no vanquished. Everyone is together and the Kabiyesi has made that clear. We can assure you that Kabiyesi’s door will be opened to all; I urge you to continue to support him,” Oyedele said.
and then