By: Adejola Adeyemi Crown
Prince Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe from the Ajagbusi Ekun Ruling House was on Thursday installed as the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.
It came days after Governor Gboyega Oyetola approved the appointment of the monarch at the state’s executive council meeting.
The stool of Owaloko had been vacant since the death of Oba Oladele Olashore of Ajagbusi Ekun Ruling House in 2012.
Oba Ogungbangbe joins the likes of the Elekusa of Ekusa in Odo – Otin Local Government Area whose appointment was recently ratified by the Oyetola administration.
His appointment was approved by Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola on 19th April, 2021.
The appointment of Prince Akeem Ogungbangbe as the new Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha came after a keen contest that lingered for nine years, following the demise of the former Owaloko, Oba Oladele Olashore, on June 1, 2012.
The installation took place Thursday, May 6 in Iloko Ijesa Town.
Earlier, the ancient community of Iloko Ijesa on Monday 3rd May, 2021 stood still for the arrival/Installation of the new Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa. The Owaloko-elect, Prince Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe entered triumphantly into the town for the installation process.
Major streets in the city, witnessed heavy traffic jam as the convoy of the Owaloko snaked through major axis of the city where people lined up the streets to welcome the new Monarch.
The Owaloko-elect in an Open roof Toyota Vehicle raising his clutched fists to acknowledge cheers from people after about few hours drive to get to the community center where the palace was located.
The installation process was also followed by the symbolic traditional decoration of the Monarch in an event which commenced in the evening of Wednesday 5th and 6th May, 2021.
Traditional gunshots rented the air by Iloko traditionalists/hunters association and the beating of traditional drums heralding the reign of the new Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, thus signalling the completion of first phase of the Monarch traditional rites.
Speaking after the installation ceremony, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe stated that the day is an historical day in the ancient town.
Oba Ogungbangbe said, “I salute the courage and understanding of all, this day is historic in the sense that Iloko Ijesa in about nine years ago was without a king, but we are happy that this day of a new king has come.
“We need the cooperation of all and sundry, I call on everybody to join hands with me in the task to build the town. Iloko Ijesa can not afford to stand still again, we must strive as we enter a new era to develop our Land.
“I call on the people of Iloko Ijesa most especially youths to rally round for the development of our community, the state and the country at large”.
“Let me most sincerely appreciate the High Chiefs and warrant Chiefs for their continuous support and efforts towards maintaining peaceful coexistence before, during and after my appointment as the new Iloko Ijesa monarch”, Owaloko emphasised.
Meanwhile, the coronation and official presentation of certificate and staff of office to Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe is however scheduled for Saturday 24th July, 2021.
Below are more pictures from Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe’s installation:
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