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By Kehinde Aderemi
It was a day of glory and honour recently as the Oloje of Igasi Kingdom, Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State, Oba Adeniji Adeleye, honoured nine prominent sons and daughters of Igasi Akoko town, including three people from Europe with different traditional titles.
It was a well attended ceremony as one of the daughters of the town, Chief Mrs. Toluwani Ajibade, who is also an aide to Aare Ona kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, was honoured as the Yeye Gbobaniyi of Igasi Akoko Kingdom.
Prominent dignitaries from all walks of life gathered at the event to celebrate with the new chiefs as they were celebrated in front of their kinsmen.
Oba Adeleye, who was celebrating his first anniversary on the throne of his forebears, explained that the ceremony was a mark of honour and appreciation to the traditional titles honourees.
The royal father said the traditional titles came with responsibilities and also as rewards for those that had played significant roles in the town.
Oba Adeleye admitted that each of the newly installed chiefs were men and women of great virtue.
The traditional ruler also explained that there were some of his friends and colleagues that came from abroad that were also honoured for being there for him while he was in Europe.
Other newly installed chiefs include Dr. Nun Ategbusi, as Otunba Babalaje of Igasi Akoko kingdom, Shina Agboola as Otunba Iga of Igasi Akoko Kingdom, Mrs Mariola Ayegbusi, as Yeye Iga of Igasi Akoko Kingdom and Mrs Helen Ebun Agboola, as Yeye Oje of Igasi Akoko Kingdom.
Also installed were Dapo Idowu as Otunba Oje of Igasi Akoko Kingdom Mrs Aina Adeshina, as Iya Ilu of Igasi Akoko Kingdom, Mrs Adejoke Olatunji, as Yeye Arobake of Igasi Akoko Kingdom, Major Ilesanmi Adeshina, as Aare Jagunmolu of Igasi Akoko Kingdom and Mrs. Adefarati Sunday, as Odofin of Igasi Akoko Kingdom.
Oba Adeleye explained further that those that were honoured were selected through rigorous process, and they were found worthy as men and women that had made great impact in the society through their different professions both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
Oba Adeleye said he was impressed that all of the new traditional titles holders have contributed in one way or the other to the development of the town and also to the progress of humanity, even as he urged them to do more in terms of empowerments to the people of the town.
“Service to humanity is key to the progress of every society. God has created us to impact the lives of others positively. It is only the grace of God to see people that are generous and kind-hearted. We must not take our eyes away from the poor people who are still struggling to cope in life,” he said.
Oba Adeleye also thanked the Ondo State governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his generosity and kindness to royal fathers in the state.
Oba Adeleye appealed to the governor to help Igasi Akoko town by constructing the road that leads to the town, and also provide other social amenities like pipe borne water, health centres and also build more schools for the community.
“Education is the foundation of any society. I left England and came to Nigeria to become a king of my town. Not because I want to enrich myself, but because I want to help my people by ensuring that Igasi Akoko remains one of the best towns in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.” In her remarks, Yeye Gbobaniyi of Igasi Akoko, Chief Mrs.Toluwani Ajibade said the traditional title came as a surprise.
“I was not thinking of receiving a traditional title, but when the honour came. I took it as it was the Lord’s doing and I want to appreciate my boss, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, for standing by me. I also express my sincere gratitude to my big sister and mother, Madam Eunice Enahoro, who has always been there for me at all time.
“I also appreciate my darling husband and some of my friends and colleagues that were present at the event, including Alhaji Lawal Oriyomi, Mrs Sadia Balogun, Deacon Kehinde Owopetu, Mrs Iyabo Yusuf, Mrs Elizabeth Attah, and Mr Amida Saheed, for finding time to grace the occasion from Lagos. They are wonderful people.
“This traditional title is not ordinary. It is an honour from home and it is special to me as a call to serve and impact my town positively.”
