..Abiodun urges monarch to emulate late Awujale’s legacy
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Government has installed Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun as the Alaye of Imobiland in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state, bringing to an end the prolonged process for the emergence of a traditional ruler for the community.
The installation and presentation of the instrument and staff of office climaxed a three-day ceremony attended by traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, political stakeholders, development groups, unions and associations, as well as indigenes of Imobi from within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun urged the new monarch to emulate the legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, particularly his contributions to the peace, growth and development of Ijebuland during his reign.
Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the state government remained committed to promoting industrialisation, attracting high-value investments and creating opportunities capable of improving the lives of residents.
He, however, stressed that such development initiatives must extend to the grassroots, where traditional rulers have important roles to play in mobilising their people and creating an enabling environment for development.
“I encourage the people of Imobi to become proactive champions of the state government’s investment initiatives, ensuring that progress thrives within their community and beyond,” the governor said.
Abiodun urged Oba Balogun to use his position to promote unity, peace and development while providing the leadership needed to attract investments and improve the wellbeing of his subjects.
The Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr Oludamilare Kehinde, in his goodwill message, congratulated the new monarch and stressed the shared responsibility of traditional rulers and residents in advancing their communities.
He urged the people of Imobi to support the monarch and ensure that available resources were harnessed for the development of the community.
The Obiri of Aiyepe, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, called for an inclusive reign, saying the monarch’s ability to carry all sections of the community along would be crucial to securing the loyalty, trust and cooperation of his subjects.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Balogun expressed appreciation to the state government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who contributed to the conclusion of the process leading to his installation.
The new Alaye pledged to provide transformative leadership and work with all sections of Imobi to promote peace, unity and sustainable development.
The installation marked the culmination of a traditional process that began during the reign of the late Awujale, Oba Adetona.
According to stakeholders, the Imobi Obaship Committee commenced its activities with the support of the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, who led the committee to the late Awujale.
They said the late Awujale subsequently endorsed Oba Balogun and constituted a five-man committee of respected traditional rulers in Ijebuland to deliberate on the Imobi Obaship.
The installation ceremony began at the Imobi Community Town Hall, Fotedo, where dignitaries from different parts of the country gathered to celebrate the new monarch.
Among those present were the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja; Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, and Giwa of Egbe Obayori Okunrin Akile Ijebu, Hon Wale Anomo; and the Baale of Agbowa Ibeshe and incoming king in Ikorodu.
Other prominent Imobi stakeholders included Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Prince Ayodele Adefuye, popularly known as Ajoy, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Mr B.S. Lawal and former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Sola Adams, alongside other political and community leaders.
Sons and daughters of Imobi also turned out in large numbers to witness the occasion.
Members of the Imobi Council of Baales attended the ceremony. Speaking on behalf of the council, the Baale of Oki-Igbode, Chief Oguntoye Adedayo, congratulated Oba Balogun and offered prayers for the monarch, his family and the entire Imobi community.
The celebration featured cultural displays, with a Yoruba cultural band entertaining guests with traditional songs and drumming.
The event later moved to Uba, Imobi, the country home of the new Alaye, where indigenes, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with the monarch.
The grand finale, held at the St Benedict’s Primary School playground, attracted a larger gathering of dignitaries, community members and guests.
The Imobi Descendants Union, IDU, was led by its Chairman, Mr B.S. Lawal, while the Imobi Sons and Daughters Union was represented by its leader, Comrade Wasiu Idowu.
With the installation concluded, stakeholders called on Imobi indigenes and residents to support the new monarch and work collectively for the peace and development of the community.
They described the installation of Oba Balogun as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Imobiland and expressed optimism that the traditional institution would promote peace, unity and development while strengthening cooperation among the various communities, groups and stakeholders in Imobi.
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