- Details Of 3-In-1 Thanksgiving Service
The ancient town of Isara-Remo in Ogun State is still agog with celebration as its newly installed monarch, Alaiyeluwa Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo (Otete III), marks his ascension to the revered throne of his forefathers.
For the new Odemo, it is a moment wrapped in deep gratitude to God — a calling he never imagined would come his way.
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the monarch held a grand Coronation Thanksgiving Service alongside Holy Communion at St. John’s Anglican Church, Isara-Remo. The spiritually uplifting service drew an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political figures, and distinguished personalities from across Ogun State and beyond.
Royal fathers from the Ijebu, Remo, and Abeokuta axis turned out in honour of the new king. Among them were the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo; the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasak Adenugba; the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo; the Alaiye Aba of Ayepe-Ijebu, Oba Michael Kolawole Adekoya; the Alaye of Ode-Remo, Oba Amidu Osho; the Olu of Odosenlu-Alaro, Oba Adedotun Oduneye Odusanya; the Orimadegun of Araromi-Sagamu, Oba Solomon Oguntade; and the Nebuwa of Ibido-Sagamu, Oba Kolawole Adeyemi, among others.
Top government functionaries were also in attendance, including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, Chairman of Remo North Local Government, Hon. Muyiwa Sodade, Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, and several eminent personalities from the legal, academic, and business communities.
The Thanksgiving sermon was delivered by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Remo, The Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, who described kingship as divinely ordained. In a powerful message, he emphasised that leadership is a calling from God and outlined three key principles for the monarch to succeed as a God-fearing king, urging him to remain steadfast in righteousness and service.
The service reached a solemn moment as Oba Ogunbayo, alongside his wife and family, partook in the Holy Communion before proceeding to a joyous thanksgiving session. Family members, friends, and well-wishers later joined them at the altar in celebration, turning the church into a vibrant scene of praise and gratitude.
Speaking shortly after the service, the monarch expressed profound appreciation to God for the unexpected honour.
“I never thought I would become a king,” he said. “But when I received God’s word that I must accept this position to serve humanity, I had no choice but to submit to His will.”
He pledged to serve his people with dedication, promising to work tirelessly for the development of Isara-Remo and its surrounding communities. He also called on indigenes of the town, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite with him in transforming the ancient town for greater progress.
In a show of unity and inclusiveness, the new Odemo had earlier participated in a special Jumat service at the central mosque on Friday, May 1, 2026, celebrating with the Muslim faithful. This was followed by visits from traditional worshippers on Saturday, who came to the palace to offer prayers and blessings for a peaceful and successful reign.
Indeed, Oba Ogunbayo’s emergence reflects a rare blend of faith, humility, and commitment to service — qualities many believe will define a new era of growth and harmony for Isara-Remo.
