The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has reiterated that cultural and traditional heritage serves as a panacea for peaceful coexistence among people.

Oba Ajayi, speaking against the backdrop of the maiden edition of the Remo Day festival coming up in December this year, stated that the festival is for Remo citizens at home and in the diaspora.

He noted that it is designed as a rallying point to foster collaboration and advance the socio-economic development of all communities in Remo land and beyond.

He said that the festival will boost traditional heritage, encourage cultural reawakening, and promote peace and unity for the economic stability of Remo land and Ogun State as a whole.

The paramount ruler, represented by the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Osiberu, explained that the idea of the annual Remo Day festival was conceived to celebrate the unique and rich cultural heritage of the 43 Remo towns while deepening unity and fostering economic integration.

Oba Ajayi said, “This is what we have always wanted to do. We have seen what our children are doing in the UK, and we said we should create a bigger platform back home to strengthen our bond and unity as we celebrate our rich cultural heritage as Remo people.

“This festival is for all sons and daughters of Remo land, both at home and abroad. It is designed to be a rallying point to collaborate and advance the socio-economic development of all communities in Remo land. The festival will boost cultural reawakening, and I urge everyone to support this initiative and make it a successful celebration.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the festival, Mr. Wole Sowole, said the festival is being organised by the Remo Growth and Development Foundation with the approval of the paramount ruler, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.

Sowole noted that the week-long festival has been scheduled for December to allow all indigenous people of Remo land, who would have returned home for the end-of-year holidays, to bond and celebrate the culture of the Remo people.

He said the festival will feature an art exhibition showcasing the uniqueness, achievements, culture, and traditions of each Remo community. There will also be an art competition for secondary schools and a dance drama depicting the historical perspective of the Remo people.

Sowole added that the grand finale, scheduled for December 27, will take place at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu. On that day, there will be a rally, and all the Remo towns will pay homage to the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Remo Growth and Development Foundation, Otunba Seni Adetu, said the foundation was formed by Oba Ajayi to drive socio-economic development across Remo land.

He stated that the celebration will serve as a strong platform to galvanise support and seek stronger collaboration and commitment toward building a more vibrant, peaceful, and prosperous Remo land.