The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has charged the newly installed honorary Chieftancy titleholders to remain committed to the growth, progress and development of Ibadanland, the factors that paved the way for their installation.
He gave the charge at the installation of four prominent sons and daughter of the ancient metropolis as part of the activities marking the ongoing first year coronation anniversary of the monarch held at the ancient Aliiwo palace.
The four newly installed Chiefs are; Prof. David Olusoji Adejumo and his wife, Chief Mrs. Emilomo as Ajiroba and Yeye Ajiroba, Barr. Omobolaji Olukayode Ayorinde, SAN, OFR and his wife , Dr. Mrs. Adeola Ayorinde as Agba Ofin and Yeye Agba Ofin respectively.
Others are a retired civil servant and former Senior Legislative Assistant in the Ninth Assembly, Alhaji Raheem Adebayo Aruna and his wife, Alhaja Ganiyat Funmilola Aruna as Asaaju Fiwajoye and Yeye Asaaju Fiwajoye, and first female from Oyo State to become a Colonel in the Army, Col. Adenike Adisa Akerele (Rtd) who was installed as Iyalode Akinrogun of Ibadanland.
While performing the installation, Olubadan recalled that their choice for their respective titles was based on their activities towards the growth and development of Ibadanland over the years through their respective areas of callings and these new titles should be seen as nothing but a challenge to them from Ibadanland to do more.
According to Oba Balogun, “you would all agree with me that the conferment of the different Ibadan chieftaincy titles on you was not financially induced, but in recognition of your quality as individuals, who are very passionate about Ibadan affairs. This recognition is for you to know that you are being appreciated by your people, whose stool I presently occupy by the grace of Almighty Allah.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. That’s the message to you from Ibadan people. Don’t rest on your oars, there are still so many things to do to make Ibadan a place of our dream which all of us can be proud of. By this new phase in your respective lives, you are expected to do more than you have been doing and whenever you are called upon for any role, accept such as a call to duty. Our ancestor will reward you abundantly”, Olubadan said further.
The new Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Chief Prof. Adejumo, who responded on behalf of the new Chiefs thanked Olubadan for counting them worthy, stressing that to be identified for that kind of honour among the population of about five million people was not mean and it’s not something that could be taken for granted.
“On behalf of my newly installed colleagues, I want to pledge our continued dedication, loyalty and commitment to Ibadan cause. We are very much grateful for this honour and promise that we won’t let Kabiyesi down, we won’t let down the people of Ibadan and we will hold dear to our hearts the admonition by His Imperial Majesty”, he added.
The colourful ceremony which had in attendance some members of the Olubadan Advisory Council was also witnessed by the immediate past Senator from Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun, Baale Ekotedo, Elder Taye Ayorinde, Bobajiro of Ibadanland, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, Asiwaju Oloja-General of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Julianah Titilola Raimi among other dignitaries.
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