By KEMI KASUMU
All impediments on the way of Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ojo Olofin-Adimula, Arulewolasi III, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, South West Nigeria, cleared on Thursday July 14, 2022 as he was finally presented the instrument of office to begin functioning as substantive traditional ruler.
Oba Oluwagbemiga Ojo was crowned as required by customs and traditions of the ancient town on November 4, 2021 after a selection process witnessed by Ondo State Government and Akure South Local Government Area officials.
Like it was done to Osolo of Isolo, Oba Edward Adewole Osalade II in the same local government, the presentation of Staff of Office to the lawyer-turned Isikan monarch was stalled by Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, backed by some chiefs of his kingdom, who did what many described as usurping the rights of the Governor to determine who is an Oba and who is not, in the state.
The Deji, in further show of strength, had taken the state Governor to court in effort to prevent him from going ahead with installation of the Iralepo as, according to him, he and Osolo of Isolo, despite their well known paraphernalia of a complete Obaship, are not Oba but chiefs.
The court finally delivered what was described by members of the state and watchers from other parts of the country as one of most just court judgements so far, as it confirmed the Iralepo as Oba and the Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, himself a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Thursday July 14, 2022 finally exercised his powers and presented the Staff of Office to Oba Oluwagbemiga Ojo Olofin-Adimula Arulewolasi III as the Iralepo of Isikan Land, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Governor Akeredolu, who was represented by the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyeditiwa, wished the new king of Isikan a peaceful reign while appreciating the presence of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan, ably represented, all other traditional rulers, Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, representative of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) among others that graced the occasion with their presence.
Speaking to The DEFENDER, Sheikh Yayi Akorede said, “Like I told the Iralepo at the venue, his father the late Iralepo was a very mumble leader. In fact, he said ‘yes sir’ to everybody, very humble. I told him to take after his father and be humble towards all and live in peace with others.”
Giving his remarks at the event, the Chief Imam of Akure, appreciating the cordial relationship between the deputy governor and his boss, said, “Any subordinate that envies or finds the downfall of his principal cannot grow. But this Deputy Governor is a man of prayers because he has done well towards his governor and he must surely grow to further successes.”
The obviously elated Oba Oluwagbemiga Ojo Olofin-Adimula could not say all his mind as he was full of thanks to the Ondo State Government for letting justice finally prevail in the traditional rulership matter involving his kingdom.
The event was a splash of glitters and all excitements as different artists, cultural troops and masquerades performed to the admiration of those present.
Other top state functionaries including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chairman Akure South Local Government, former SA to Governor Akeredolu, Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo, among others graced the event.
The DEFENDER reports that the state government is, however, yet to decide on the gate of Osolo of Isolo, Oba Edward Adewole Osalade II as to when his own Staff of Office will be presented.
He was crowned as the oracle’s choice and as required by customs and traditions of the ancient Osolo township in July 2018.
