A lot of people don’t know that Remoland is made up of a lot of towns and communities.
Remo is situated in Ogun State. It has 3 out of the 20 Local Governments in Ogun State. It is bounded in the North-East by Ijebu North Local Government of Ogun State and Ago-Iwoye villages. It is also bounded in the North by Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State, with Owode Egba and Obafemi villages. It has boundary with Ikorodu Local Government in the South-West, with Agbowa-Ikosi towns and Ikorodu villages. It has boundary in the East by Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun State with places like Ijesa-Ijebu, Odogbolu and Ayepe as boundary mates.
Below, City People ISAAC ABIMBADE presents 50 icons from Remoland some of whom were celebrated at the just concluded 2024 Remo Day.
Asiwaju Otunba Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, is a great industrialist. He is from Sagamu in Ogun State. He is currently the Chairman of Coleman Wires & Cables, Chellarams Plc, and Artee Industries Ltd.
He previously served as an independent non-executive director at Newrest ASL Nigeria Plc. He was also once the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Anthony Joshua, the boxer is from Sagamu in Ogun State.
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua OBE (born 15 October 1989) is a British professional boxer. He held the unified world heavyweight championship twice between 2016 and 2021. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016.
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known professionally as D’Banj is from Sagamu, Ogun State. He is a singer, rapper,event host and television personality. He signed with American rapper, Kanye West’s record label GOOD Music to release his 2012 single “Oliver Twist”, an uptempo dance fusion of EDM and Afrobeats for which he became best known. With record producer Don Jazzy, he co-founded the record label Mo’ Hits Records. His stage name is a combination of his first name, Dapo, and his surname, Oyebanjo.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, is from Isara Remo in Ogun State. He is a playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature for his “wide cultural perspective and… poetic overtones, fashioning the drama of existence”, the first sub-Saharan African to win the prize in literature.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, is from Sagamu, Ogun State. Gbenga Daniel, is a serving Senator for Ogun East, since 2023. He previously served as Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011.
He is the owner of Kresta Laurel, an Electro-Mechanical Engineering Company, he started in 1990. He is also the Founder of Conference Hotels with branches in Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Abeokuta and Isheri part of Lagos.
Late Segun Olusola from Iperu, was a Nigerian television producer, broadcaster and diplomat. He was the writer and executive producer of The Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest running television soap opera that stars late Justus Esiri and late Femi Robinson. Chief Olusola was born in Iperu Remo, a town in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria. He attended Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, where he obtained the West African Senior School Certificate in 1947 before he proceeded to the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree.
Falilat Ogunkoya-Osheku former track and field athlete who holds the distinction of becoming the first Nigerian to win an individual track and field medal at the Olympic games. Ogunkoya has won a number of national championships, including a gold medal in 1996 in the 400 metres, gold in the 200 metres and 400 m in 1998, and gold again in 1999 and 2001 in the 400 m. At the 1987 All Africa Games in Nairobi, she won the silver medal in the 200 m. In 1995 at the All Africa Games in Harare she won the silver in the 400m, and at the 1999 Games in Johannesburg she won a gold medal in the 400 m.
Segun Okeowo, was an Educationist who is best known for being the president of the National Union of Nigerian Students at the forefront of the Ali Must Go protests.
He was born in Shagamu, Ogun State. He attended St Luke’s College, Ibadan between 1961 and 1964 before proceeding to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo in 1971.
Kehinde Sofola, from Ikenne Remo, was a prominent Nigerian Jurist and Minister of Justice during the Second Nigerian Republic.
Sofola, was born on March 10, 1924, as one of the second of three sets of twins in Ogun State South-Western Nigeria. He was called to the English bar on September 11, 1954. He was the founder of Kehinde Sofola’s Chamber, a law firm in Lagos State where Ayotunde Phillips, the Chief Judge of Lagos State began her career in September 1976.
Prof Theophilus Ogunlesi, was a Nigerian academic and medical doctor recognized as the first professor of medicine in Nigeria. Born in Sagamu, Ogun State, Ogunlesi, began his education at St. Paul Primary School, Sagamu, before attending CMS Grammar School, Lagos, where he obtained his secondary school certificate in 1940. He continued his studies at Higher College, Yaba, for pre-medical and medical training. He later attended the University of London and University of Minnesota where he obtained his postgraduate degrees.
Funsho Adeolu, was an actor from Ode Remo in Ogun State. He was a film director and film producer. Adeolu, was born on 9 May 1968 in Ondo State, South-Western Nigeria. Funsho went to Baptist Academy. He has consistently been credited for Countdown at Kusini, a movie that featured his namesake. The late Oba Funsho Adeolu, the Alaaye of Ode Remo (who played Chief Eleyinmi, in the old Nigerian Sitcom “The Village Headmaster”). Ibidun Allison was the other Nigerian actor in Countdown at Kusini (Amebo of “The Village Headmaster”). He featured in Heroes and Zeroes, a 2012 Nigerian drama film.
Late Jimi Solanke who died not too long ago was from Ipara Remo, Ogun State. He was a film actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet and playwright.Solanke graduated from the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma certificate in drama.
After graduation, Solanke moved to the United States, where he created a drama group called The Africa Review, focusing on African culture. Members of this group usually put on African clothing, specifically Yoruba costume.
Late Chief Okupe Agbonmagbe, was from Iperu Remo. He is the founder of Agbonmagbe Bank now called Wema Bank. He had played a significant role in the development of Nigeria economy.
Pa Adeolu Akisanya, from Ipara, Ode Remo in Ogun State he is the pioneer of Agidigbo. He has produced several albums and songs. Through his music he’s been able to promote Nigerian culture and heritage.
Rev. William Frederick Mellor, was an English missionary who spent considerable time of his missionary endeavour in Ijebu-Remo. He embraced some of the culture of Remo and ended up being conferred a chieftaincy title by the Akarigbo. Upon his retirement, he left Nigeria in 1957 but returned in 1966 to work with Tai Solarin at Mayflower School, Ikenne.
Deacon Ayo Ositelu, from Ogere Remo, born on April 6, 1943, Deacon Ositelu was also prominent in grassroots politics.
He’s one of the most experienced and knowledgeable sports journalists who bestrode the diverse worlds of sports journalism, sports administration and grassroots governance.
He was the first Executive Chairman of the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where he oversaw much of the hard work involved in putting it on a sound footing. Even after stepping down from the position, he was a keen participant in the council’s activities.
Pa David Soyebo, from Isote, Makun Sagamu, Ode Remo, Ogun State.
He was the first renowned Ijebu Remo merchant, Pa D.S.D. Oduguwa. Born into a maternal royal family of Koyelu –Erinwole Ruling House in 1896 at Isote, Makun Sagamu, Oduguwa family lineage could be traced to one Mr. Adeyiga, the father of Oduname, who was the first Apena of Makun. He was a slave-dealer who married his son Oduguwa to Princess Efudetu Kuseru, the 3rd daughter of Kuseru while Awolesi was the only son of Kuseru. Efubamowo, was the mother of Efudetu. Efudetu was married to Oduguwa, the father of Soyebo (D.S.D) Oduguwa.
Journalist Olusegun Adeniyi, is from Ipara Remo. His journalism career started in January 1991 and has taken him through four media houses (The Guardian Newspapers, African Concord Magazine, The Concord Press and THISDAY Newspapers), Adeniyi has authored eight books and writes the weekly column, The Verdict.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President is from Ikenne, Ogun State. He is a Lawyer, professor, and politician who served as the 14th Vice President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he previously served as Attorney General of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and holds the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Chief Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, popularly known and referred to as “BABA IJEBU”, is from Iperu, Ogun State. He is an industrialist, an astute businessman and a philanthropist to the core.
He is the brain behind the “Premier Lotto Limited” (PLL) also known as “Baba Ijebu”, a Gaming Company which was incorporated in 2001. The foundation was established to carry out the Lotto business in Nigeria. The Foundation “Kesington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation”, caters for the less privileged and also supports hospital patients and their education. His principle that an educated and healthy soul can never be hungry was the drive behind the establishment of the foundation.
Chief Adewale Ayuba, is from Ikenne Ogun State, commonly known as Mr. Johnson, he is a Nigerian singer famous for Phancee Fuji music.
Ayuba, was born on 6 May 1966 in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. He grew up as a child singer, and by the age of eight, he had started singing at local musical competitions and fiestas in Ikenne.
Late Oba Samuel Akisanya (1 August 1898 – January 1985) was a trade unionist and nationalist based in Lagos, Nigeria during the colonial era, one of the founders of the Nigerian Youth Movement. He was also the Oba of Isara, an office which he held from 1941 until his death. He is today widely regarded as the greatest king in the history of the town.
Toyin Sokefun-Bello, from Ide Remo (born 14 January 1978). She is better known as TY Bello, she is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, photographer and philanthropist. Prior to pursuing a solo career, she was a member of the now defunct gospel band Kush. Bello is currently a member of the Nigerian photography collective, Depth of Field. She released the albums Greenland (2008), The Future (2011), The Morning Songbook (2014), Africa Awake (2021), We Are Fire (2022), Heaven Has Come (2023) and The Spirit of Light (2024).
Chief Olabode Ogunlana, is the Doyen of Insurance in Nigeria, from Ogere Remo. He was in full-time employment in the Insurance Industry for 50 years from 1952 to 2002. He served during this period variously as an Underwriter, Broker, Tutor, and Risk Management Consultant.
He started his insurance career at Royal Exchange and then went on to Great Nigeria Insurance and then on to the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON).
Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, from Ipara Remo, Ogun State, was appointed OAU pro-chancellor. He is a veteran journalist and academia whose works cut across many sectors .
Adekunle Osindero, from Ode Remo, is celebrated in Nigeria financial sector, for his pioneering contribution to the modern banking system and corporate governance.
Kayode Fashola, from Ipara Remo, is a renowned Nigerian Yoruba Juju musician celebrated for his contributions to traditional Juju music. As a traditionalist, songwriter, and guitarist, he played a pivotal role in repositioning Juju music in Western Nigeria.
Victor Ayoola Awoderu, from Akaka Remo, Ogun State, is a Nigerian academic administrator, science educator. Chartered Biologist.
Liaison Officer to state government in Remo North Local Government, Ogun State, since 2001. Fellow Institute of Biology (London), Chartered InstituteAdministration; member Science Association of Nigeria (life), Nigerian Society Plant Protection (life).
Micheal Soyebo, from Ipara Remo, is a farmer, educationist, activist, and politician. He’s a member of Ijebu advisory board in the Ijebu central, to represent the interest of Remo on the Ijebu Ode based council. He’s also a founding member of first Nigeria Trade Union Congress
Chief Olatunji Dosumu, was a teacher, journalist, industrialist.
Prince Adeleke Adedoyin, was the former Minister of Labour, Social Welfare and Co-operatives between 1964 and 1966. Former Speaker of the Western Region House of Assembly, a legal icon, astute politician and distinguished lawmaker.
Born on March 1, 1912, in Sagamu, Ogun State, Adeleke was a Remo Prince and son of Akarigbo, late Oba Williams Christopher Adedoyin.
Mother of the nation, as she was described during her burial, Mama H.I.D. Awolowo (as fondly called), was the only wife of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Augustus Taiwo Solarin, (a.k.a Tai Solarin) was a renowned educationist, author and an outstanding social activist/critic in Nigeria, was the Founder and first Principal of Mayflower School, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State. He later became Chairman of the defunct People’s Bank of Nigeria (PBN) which Federal Government established during Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.
He was born a twin in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, in 1916 (assumed year, since he didn’t know his birth date). He attended Wesley College, Ibadan, Oyo State, and later enlisted in British Air Force as a navigator in the Second World War.
Chief Olu Awotesu, was a legal luminary and the Minister of State for Agriculture in the Second Republic when Alhaji Shehu Shagari was the president of Nigeria (1979-1983).
A native of Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, Awotesu attended Remo Secondary School, Sagamu. He was twice the Secretary of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
He died in a controversial circumstance on 29 October, 2011, while looking forward to his 80th birthday scheduled to hold in November.
Chief Olu Fadairo, was the former General Manager, Daily Times of Nigeria (Publication Division), the first Secretary of the Nigeria Institute of Directors (IoD), President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria for 20 years and former Vice President, World Assembly of Youths (WAY). Chairman, Organising Committee of International Youth Year (IYY) held in Nigeria in 1985, and Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)
Born in Sagamu, on March 14, 1930, to the family of Benjamin Ajayi Fadairo and Mary Olubomeyin Olubowale Fadairo, he studied Newspaper Management at Columbia University, New York, USA.
Late Prophet Ositelu. He was the founder and first Primate of The Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide. The church that became famous for its annual Tabeorar Festival which holds in August 22 every year. A native of Ogere-Remo, Ogun State, he was born into the Ashaye Onakoya Ositelu family of Lisa chieftaincy family on 15 May 1900.
Ositelu, started demonstrating his spiritual gifts at a tender age, predicting events and telling people about their future.
He attended Church Missionary Society (CMS) School, Ogere-Remo and Christ Church School, Porogun, Ijebu Ode. He became a teacher after finishing school and was trained to be a catechist.
Prince Babington Ashaye, was the 48th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) between 2007 and 2008.
He was the Founding Chairman of Babington Ashaye & Co, (a flourishing Auditing, Tax Consultancy & Insolvency Company). He was the President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (the oldest sports and recreation club in West Africa, founded by Nigeria’s first Governor General, Lord Frederick Lugard) between 2006 and 2008.
He was the son of late Monarch of Ogere-Remo, and husband of the current President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN). His first wife, Mrs. Morenike Babington-Ashaye was the Chairman of Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (2003-2011). He died and was buried in January 2012.
Oba Michael Sonariwo was the past Akarigbo and late Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), an accomplished administrator, Knight of John Wesley (KJW) and Doctor of Civil Laws (Honoris Causa) and holder of the Commander of the Order of Niger, (CON).
Born in Lagos in July 28, 1936, into the royal family of Prince Shehu Tijani Sonariwo, a descendant of Akarigbo Erinjugbo (1) of Sagamu, Ogun State.
Former National President, Men’s Fellowship of the Methodist Church Nigeria, late nonagenarian author, a Knight of John Wesley (KJW) who retired as Assistant Director, Dept. of Post & Telecommunication (P & T, now Federal Ministry of Communication ).
Born in November 13, 1924, in Sagamu to the Adegbite Dynasty of Sagamu, he grew up in Lagos where his father (the last-born of Chief Osho Adegbite) was based then
Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, is the late elder statesman and a legal icon. He was one of the lieutenants of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was a chieftain of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political group and founding member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretary and Administration (CISA),
Born in Isara-Remo on April 8,1925 to the family of Pa Benjamin Awoyemi Ajayi, he went to the United Kingdom where he studied Law and was also trained to become a Chartered Secretary at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Sir Hassan Odukale, was the Foremost insurance business magnate, philanthropist, Knight of John Wesley, Founder and late Chairman of Leadway Assurance Ltd
Late Odukale, was born in March 1926 in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
He revolutionised the insurance industry in Northern part of Nigeria when he established the Leadway Assurance Company Ltd in 1970 to fill the gap of an indigenous insurance company that would compete favorably with the foreign ones at the time.
Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, is a businessman and politician, who has served as Governor of Ogun State since May 2019. Currently a member of the All Progressive Congress, Abiodun first entered politics during the aborted Abacha transition in 1998 and remained active in politics until he was elected governor in 2019.
Born in Iperu Remo in 1960, Abiodun eventually became an accountant for several years before entering business in the 1990s. Alongside his business career, Abiodun attempted to enter electoral politics and was the Board Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, from Ikenne. He was a nationalist and politician who played a key role in Nigeria’s independence movement (1957–1960). Awolowo founded the Yoruba nationalist group Egbe Omo Oduduwa, and was the first Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance, and first Premier of the Western Region under Nigeria’s parliamentary system, from 1952 to 1959. He was the official opposition leader in the federal parliament to the Balewa government from 1959–1963.
Oba Dr Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo is the traditional ruler of the Remo Kingdom, which is made up of 33 towns in Ogun State, Nigeria. The capital of the kingdom is Sagamu, which is made up 13 of the 33 towns.
Chief Moses Afoluwaso Shonowo, is from Ilishan Remo. He was a top Banker.
Babatunde Agbato, from Ogere Remo. He was a topshot in veterinary medicine and business.
