Barely three months after the stool of Odemo of Isara in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State became vacant, the town’s kingmakers have selected Bashorun Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo as the new traditional ruler.

Ogunbayo, Chief Executive Officer of Amba Properties Nigeria Limited, emerged Odemo-elect on Monday after defeating six other contestants in a keenly contested process held at the Odemo Palace, Isara-Remo.

Of the 12 kingmakers, nine reportedly voted in his favour. The exercise took place under tight security, with the presence of soldiers, police officers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes.

Other contenders for the throne included a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kehinde Osifade; Sule Shodipe; Kunle Shodipe; Otunba Dele Amoda; and Asiwaju Muyiwa Sonupe.

The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe on May 1, 2025.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Ogunbayo expressed gratitude to God and praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for ensuring what he described as a transparent and credible selection process.

“I must first thank Almighty God for the privilege to emerge as the Odemo-elect of Isara-Remo today. I particularly appreciate our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for providing a level playing field and making the process free and fair. May God continue to guide our governor aright,” he said.

Ogunbayo pledged to use his experience in property and industrial development to drive socio-economic growth in Isara, with a focus on job creation and industrialisation.

“I am into properties, and we deal with industrial land transactional set-ups. I will use my network, experience, and the grace of God to push for the industrialisation of our community. When people have jobs, there will be economic growth and prosperity, and crime will be reduced to its lowest ebb,” he said.

He also commended fellow contestants for their courage and sportsmanship, urging them to support his reign for the progress of the town.

The Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, described the process as peaceful and lauded the maturity displayed by the contestants and their supporters.

He praised the choice of Ogunbayo, whom he described as a successful property merchant and illustrious son of Isara with the capacity to deliver development. Adeleye also applauded Governor Abiodun for backing a free and fair process that allowed the people’s will to prevail.

With the selection concluded, the kingmakers are expected to forward Ogunbayo’s name to the Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for formal ratification.