The odemo of isara , Oba Peter ogunbayo, has thrown his weight behind federal government establishment of state policing, saying that the move remains the only way out of incessant insecurity bedeviling the country.

Oba ogunbayo, who was speaking ahead of the 57th bi- annual Afotamodi festival in coming up in November this year, disclosed that the best way to tackle insecurity in the country is through community policing.

“That is the best way to tackle the insecurity because there’s no way we can rely on the normal conventional police without community policing.”

Odemo added that after his emergency as the ancient town traditional ruler, the issue of insecurity was one of his priorities and Ishara Security Task Force was constituted in collaboration with the traditional chiefs, and other stakeholders in the community, noting that the move has brought robust security environment.

He noted that traditional rulers are the closest representatives of government to the grassroots , positioned to coordinate community security in keeping their domain free from any external aggressions.

He explained that securing the country’s security should not be left in the hands of convectional security agencies alone but with the support of local security

group .

He maintain that such local security initiatives can form a basis in which intelligence gathering be achieved for the security agencies to enhance their job.

“We need to recognize grassroots security outfits, like the AgbeKoya, Hunters , the vigilantes and OPC in terms of securing our community.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman planning committee of 57th Afotamodi Day 2026 Festival, Mr Eric Ola Animashaun Sonupe Sonupe explained that the Afotamodi festival remains a symbol of the town’s rich history, traditions, and enduring cultural values of the ancient town .

Sonupe noted that a sum of N500 million earmarked 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.

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 programmes 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 responsibility.

He further added that several corporate organisations, 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 the residents and visitors .