Ise Celebrates as Oba Ibrahim Saliu’s Installation Draws Jubilation
Members of the Ise community erupted in cheers, singing and dancing as the monarch received the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment, formally completing the process of his installation.
Residents of Ise community in Lagos State have continued to celebrate the installation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu, as the Onise of Iseland Kingdom, describing his emergence as a victory for unity, tradition and the will of the people.
The celebration followed the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to the monarch last Friday at the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, Baales, community leaders, family members, friends and associates of the new monarch.
The atmosphere became festive after the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, who represented the governor, presented the Staff of Office to Oba Saliu.
Members of the Ise community erupted in cheers, singing and dancing as the monarch received the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment, formally completing the process of his installation.
Representatives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Muftau Olarenwaju, the Oba Oluwa and the Onibeju of Ibeju were among the traditional rulers present, alongside several Baales and other dignitaries.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, also attended the ceremony, which was hosted by the ministry.
Community members described the installation as the culmination of a period of uncertainty and contestation over the traditional stool. Some residents alleged that attempts had been made by certain individuals to influence the process in favour of personal interests.
With Oba Saliu now formally installed, however, residents said they hoped the controversy surrounding the stool had been brought to an end and that the community could focus on unity and development.
The new monarch was accompanied by his Olori, while members of his family, traditional rulers and associates stood by him as he formally assumed the responsibilities of the Onise stool.
Beyond the ceremonial presentation of the Staff of Office, residents said the occasion represented an opportunity for the community to begin a new chapter and put past disagreements behind it.
Expectations are now high for Oba Saliu to use his reign to strengthen unity, preserve the cultural heritage of Ise, promote peaceful coexistence and work with government and other stakeholders to attract development to the kingdom.
The continuing celebrations across Ise have been described by residents as an expression of their hopes for a peaceful and prosperous reign.
As the community celebrates the new monarch, attention is expected to shift from the contestation surrounding the stool to the responsibilities and expectations that come with the traditional office.
“Kabiyesi o! Ki ade pe lori, ki bata pe lese!”, the people screamed in jubilation.
