From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The former chairman and Life Patron of the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oba Hassan Alao, has formally handed over the baton of leadership of the association to the newly elected chairman, Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Oba Yoruba of Funtua.
The handover which took place during the association’s quarterly general meeting at its national headquarters in Abuja, marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the association, which has served as the cultural and traditional anchor for Yoruba communities spread across Northern Nigeria.
Alao, the Oba Yoruba of Borno, who was honoured as Life Patron in recognition of his contributions to the unity and visibility of Yoruba royal institutions in the region, formally presented official documents to Oba Adeleke amid warm applause and goodwill from attendees.
In his remarks, Alao reflected on his years of stewardship, expressing gratitude for the cooperation and loyalty of fellow Obas during his tenure.
Responding after receiving the documents of authority, Oba Adeleke pledged to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, promising inclusive leadership and a renewed focus on youth engagement, inter-ethnic cooperation and community development.
The ceremony was witnessed by prominent leaders, including the outgone Secretary-General, Alhaji Alani K. Adeyemi; the Oba Yoruba of Gombi, Oba Murtala Alimi Otisheshe, MAO, the Oba Yoruba of Kano; and the new Secretary-General, Alhaji Abdulrahim Jima Alao, Oba Yoruba of Gombe, who were all present to lend support to the leadership transition.