Anti-cultism drive in Sagamu paying off, says monarch

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has explained that the anti-cultism drive through a communal effort is already paying off in Sagamu area of Ogun State.

The monarch admitted a security challenge, especially cultism in Sagamu, the headquarters of the Remo kingdom.

Daily Trust reports that at least 48 cultists in Sagamu renounced membership in March and also submitted their firearms to the Police for confiscation.

Speaking at a press conference held at his palace in Sagamu, to announce the celebration of the maiden Remo Day Festival coming up in December, Oba Ajayi said there has been a joint effort by the palace, the community and the Remo Growth and Development Foundation through series of engagements and empowerment of youths to tame the challenge.

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Represented by the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, Akarigbo said the idea of the annual Remo Day Festival was conceived to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of all 43 Remo towns while also deepening their unity and economic integration.

“We have always had problems with cultism and it is known that Sagamu was a terrible place for cultism, but this year we had them renounce membership and brought their arms, which were taken away by the Commissioner of Police. It happened right in this room. That was done by the community, the palace and RemoGDF.

“Since then, we have not had a single incident (of cult clash),” he said.

The Monarch harped on the use of culture to foster peace and unity and boost economic integration for the well-being of the people.

“This festival is for all the 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 the communities in Remo Land.

“The festival will be a boost for cultural reawakening, and so I urge everyone to support this initiative and make it a successful celebration,” he said.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Wole Sowole, said the festival is being organised by the RemoGDF, featuring art exhibition to showcase the uniqueness of the people, their accomplishments, culture, and traditions of each Remo community, as well as an art competition for secondary schools, among other activities.

On his part, the Chairman of the Remo Development Growth Foundation, Seni Adetu, said the group is dedicated to driving socio-economic development across Remo Land.