Ijebu-Igbo: Abiodun presents staff of office to new Orimolusi

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun (2nd left), presenting staff of office and coronation certificate to the new monarch, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Jaiyeoba Adebajo.

AFTER 28 years interregnum caused by legal battle and fierce contest over the stool of Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has presented staff of office to the newly crowned monarch, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo,

Speaking at the installation ceremony held at Abusi Edumare in Ijebu Igbo, the governor promised that his government would continue to give priority to the welfare and well being of traditional rulers.

Abiodun urged the monarchs, parents and other stakeholders in the state to join hands with government in waging war against ritual killings and get-rich-quick syndrome among youths and children.

He was optimistic that Ijebu-Igbo town, which witnessed a 28-year interregnum, would begin to witness upward swing with the installation of the new Orimolusi.

While describing the event as “symbolic testament reflective of the time past and a new beginning in community spirit and selflessness,” the governor expressed optimism that the monarch, with his pedigree, would espouse development of the town.

He also commended Professor Ademola Adedeji-led 11-member kingmakers/warrant chiefs, for carrying out a process that was open, transparent and credible, expressing assurance that the monarch would be guided by the laudable and enviable legacy of honour of all his predecessors.

Abiodun said that traditional rulers played a pivotal role in sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the people, saying they remained the custodians of value systems and norms.

He added that traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in the “Building our future Together Agenda of our administration”, and integral part of the state’s security architecture.

According to him: “In this wise, the position of Ijebu-Igbo can not be over-emphasised. Ijebu Igbo, not only shares boundaries with other states, it is a centre of commerce and knowledge, attracting people from a variety of backgrounds.

From left: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Jaiyeoba Adebajo, and his wife, Bolanle at the occasion.

“Against the backdrop of our inter-state security initiatives, such as Amotekun and the recent agreement between our State and Oyo over rising kidnapping, banditry and other manifestations of insecurity.

“We will solicit the support of our Kabiyesi’s and Olorituns (Village heads) for instance, to support our efforts at nipping the scourge of crimes and criminality in the bud.

“With all of us on the same page, there will be no hiding place for criminals and social upheavals will be reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.

The governor appreciated the industrial and commercial nature of the Ijebu people specifically those from Ijebu-Igbo that had immensely improved the state economy.

in his speech, the newly installed traditional ruler thanked the people of Ijebu Igbo and the state government for their support, which brought about his installation.

He sought the support of other traditional rulers to ensure the socio-economic and political development of Ijebu Igbo.

He promised not to let the people down.

Ijebu-Igbo, the headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Area, is one of the major towns in Ogun State, and the home town of late eminent politician and Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Abraham Adesanya, late Senator Buruji Kasamu, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, a former Deputy Governor of the state, among others.

The last Orimolusi, Oba Sani Adetayo joined his ancestors in May 1994. Ever since then, the seat has been without an occupant due to a dispute over who would succeed him.

The protracted crisis was among nine contestants from the same Ojuronmi Ruling House, whose turn it is to produce the next king.

By Abimbola Oloyede with Daily Trust report.