IPERU INDIGENES FORUM APPRECIATES GOV. ABIODUN FOR IMMORTALIZING OBA ADELEKE IDOWU-BASIBO, CONGRATULATES HIM ON HIS ACHIEVEMENTS; APPEALS FOR PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO LANDOWNERS AT INDUSTRIAL PLATFORM REMO (IPR)

IPERU INDIGENES FORUM APPRECIATES GOV. ABIODUN FOR IMMORTALIZING OBA ADELEKE IDOWU-BASIBO, CONGRATULATES HIM ON HIS ACHIEVEMENTS; APPEALS FOR PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO LANDOWNERS AT INDUSTRIAL PLATFORM REMO (IPR)

The Iperu Indigenes Forum has expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, CON, for honouring the immediate past Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Alayeluwa, Late Oba Adeleke Adelekan IDOWU-BASIBO (Odoru V), by immortalizing him through the naming of the Gateway Aviation Village, Iperu, in his memory.

In a statement issued by the Forum, and signed by Prince Ladi OLABINJO, Convener; High Chief Ifasola Saheed Ojelade OPEODU, Administrator;

Otunba Adebayo SALAMI, Administrator; and Temitope OYEKAN, Media Officer; the late monarch was described as not just a revered traditional ruler but a guiding light, a great custodian of culture and tradition.

Kabiyesi was celebrated as a father to all, a unifier, and a genuine epitome of selfless leadership and service. His reign, the Forum noted, was characterised by peace, sustained progress, landmark development and unprecedented achievements.

The Forum emphasized that the late Alaperu’s deep love for his people and passion for development positioned him as a beacon of hope and a bridge between the rich heritage of Iperu and the promise of a greater future. His passing, it stated, created a strong vacuum as the ancient town has lost a compassionate and visionary leader.

The Forum further extolled the sterling qualities of the late monarch, describing him as a symbol of unity and purposeful leadership whose reign left indelible marks on Iperu Akesanland and beyond. His life, it added, was defined by discipline, wisdom, integrity, and uncommon dedication to communal development.

Highlighting his numerous achievements, the Forum recalled key infrastructural and institutional developments recorded during his reign, including the Community Palace, Kesington Adebutu Civic Centre, Magistrate Court, Agro Cargo Airport, Gateway Aviation Village (now renamed as Oba Adeleke IDOWU-BASIBO (Odoru V) Housing Estate, Dam and Irrigation Project, market redevelopment initiatives, Skills Acquisition Centre, Mother and Child Hospital, upgrades of Primary Health Centres, Engineering Academy, Nigerian Customs Training School, Mini Stadium Project, and strategic road networks within Iperu.

The Forum also noted significant milestones attained during his reign, such as the emergence of Prince Dapo ABIODUN, CON, as the first indigene of Iperu to be elected Governor of Ogun State, and the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN as the first female Accountant General of the Federation. The establishment of additional royal stools within Iperu’s traditional framework was equally recognized as part of his enduring legacy.

Describing the late monarch as a peacemaker and stabilizing force, the Forum recalled the successful resuscitation of the Ojude Oba Festival after about three decades of dormancy, as well as the amicable resolution of longstanding crises within the Iperu Muslim community through his wisdom and fatherly intervention.

According to the Forum, beyond physical and institutional development, Kabiyesi’s greatest legacy lies in the unity he fostered, the pride he restored, and the enduring sense of identity he instilled among his people. His memory, it affirmed, will continue to inspire generations.

The Forum also congratulated Governor ABIODUN on his administration’s notable achievements, particularly the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, and the launch of Gateway Airlines, both commissioned during the visit of President Bola Ahmed TINUBU to Iperu on Saturday, 4th April 2026. It further commended the commencement of the Gateway International Conference Centre project, also in the Iperu aerotropolis.

While offering prayers for the Governor’s continued success, the Forum wished him a safe and glorious completion of his tenure and the successful implementation of all people-oriented projects.

However, it appealed to the Governor to urgently direct the payment of compensation to landowners affected by the Industrial Platform Remo (IPR) project, including the ISAPETU-EMULU; ITETERINTEN-TOBOLA; IGBOKURU; ORUBO and SAPALA Families

It recalled that at a meeting held with the land owners on June 6, 2024, at the Alaperu’s Palace, assurances were given by the Industrial Platform Remo management regarding compensation for crops, economic trees, and structures on their ancestral farmlands acquired for the IPR project, but noted with concern that no payments have been made to date.

Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Prince Adeshina SHOLARIN, Secretary of the SHOLARIN-OLOJOMBI Family, a branch of the ISAPETU-EMULU Family, whose portion of lands were also among those acquired for the airport project, urged the governor to urgently intervene on their behalf, having cooperated with the government during the acquisition process.

The family also commended the Governor for the construction of the Iperu–Ilisan Road and appealed for the construction of a culvert along the road leading to Isapetu-Emulu Community, near Babcock University Mini Campus, to ensure a motorable access for residents and property owners in the area.

The Iperu Indigenes Forum concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the unity, development, and collective progress of Iperu, while urging all stakeholders to sustain the legacy of peace, service, and excellence exemplified by the late Alaperu.

*Temitope OYEKAN*

Media Officer

Iperu Indigenes Forum

8th April, 2026