Depsite controversies, Adeleke presents staff of office to new Owa of Igbajo
…promises to pay maximum attention to Osun traditional institutions
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba (Dr.) Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde, the Owa of Igbajo, in Boluwaduro local government area of the State.
This is against the backdrop of controversies and court tussle that has trailed the removal of deposed Oba Adegboyega Famodun.
Speaking yesterday at the ceremony, Adeleke promised to continue to pay maximum attention to the Traditional Institution in the State, and to give due recognition to their roles as the custodians of revered Tradition and Culture.
Adeleke said the appointment of the new Owa of Igbajo is a demonstration of his administration’s resolve to actualize the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of the ancient town.
He further said that when his government came on board in November 2022 the majority of the people expressed their dissatisfaction with the attempt made by the immediate past Administration to force a monarch on Igbajo.
Adeleke accused the immediate past administration of not allowing a level play ground for all the seven families in the Owa Oke-Odo Ruling House as it already had an anointed candidate in mind.
He charged the monarch to see himself as the Father of all citizens of Igbajo at home and in the diaspora, urging him to unite everyone behind him.
According to the Governor, “Today’s event is a demonstration of my Administration’s resolve to actualise the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of the State. That this Administration is a listening one as is being further demonstrated today.”
“Before we came on board on November 27 2022, majority of the inhabitants of this historic Community expressed their dissatisfaction with the attempt made by the immediate past Administration to force an Oba on Igbajo. The subsisting Chieftaincy Declaration which governs succession to the throne of the Owa of Igbajo, the 2005 Chieftaincy Declaration recognised two (2) Ruling Houses, namely: Owa Iloro and Owa Oke-Ode.”
“Kabiyesi Oba (Engr.) Adeniyi Olufemi Fasade hailed from the Owa Iloro Ruling House hence upon his demise, it became the turn of the Owa Oke-Ode Ruling House. However, each of the two (2) Ruling Houses also have a number of Branches or Families under them. While the Owa Iloro Ruling House has nine (9) Branches or Families, the Owa Oke-Ode Ruling House has seven (7) Branches or Families.”
“In addressing the yearning of the people of Igbajo, my Administration inaugurated a Committee to look into all activities of the past Administration on Chieftaincy matters from July 17 to November 26 2022. The Committee received Memoranda from members of the Public including from this Community. It came up with a recommendation that a proper and all-inclusive selection process should be undertaken. It suggested a new process where all contestants will be accommodated for fair play, equity and in line with the law, custom and tradition of Igbajo.””This recommendation was accepted by my administration and here we are today. The transparent and Custom and Tradition Compliant Selection Process produced Oba (Dr.) Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde whom we are all gathered here this morning to honour with a Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment. This signals Government’s recognition of his right to sit on the throne of his fore-fathers as the Owa of Igbajo.”
“On daily basis, you must seek the growth and development of Igbajo, Boluwaduro East Local Council Development Area, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole. Cooperate with my Administration and mobilize your people to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the State.”
“Government expects you to live in peace and harmony with your neighbours. Government expects you to pay your taxes and levies as and at when due. Government expects you to be good citizens of your Community and Local Council joining hands with the Chairman to develop Boluwaduro Local Council Development Area.” The Governor charged the residents and the King.
