Ogun State Government has installed Oba Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobeshe as the first Oloja of Oja-Odan in Oja-Odan, Yewa North Local Government Area of the State.
The installation is in fulfillment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s avowed commitment to bringing good governance to the grassroots through traditional institutions.
Governor Dapo Abiodun while presenting the staff of office to the new monarch said the installation, which was crucial in the annals of the history of Oja-Odan land, was also a practical demonstration of his administration’s continued commitment to the enhancement of dignity and honour of the chieftaincy institution in Yewaland in particular and Ogun State in general.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, urged the new monarch to be accessible, receptive and responsive to his people’s yearnings.
He stressed that the monarch should see his appointment as a call to serve his people, and as such, is expected to champion all efforts that would further enhance peaceful co-existence with other neighbouring townships.
He equally charged him to cooperate with other Royal Fathers within Yewaland and the entire Ogun State.
“Your reign as an Oba in Yewaland should see to the creation and sustainable conducive environment for credible investors to do business in Oja Odan in order to justify the mandate and trust reposed in you by the good people of Oja Odan and the Ogun State Government,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the local government Chairman, Hon. Gabriel Ogunyomi urged the new monarch to see his position as that of father to all his subjects by encouraging the unity of his people.
He further told the monarch to preserve the customs and traditions of his subjects and enhance socio-cultural development of the community.
In his remarks, the Olu and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, HRM, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle congratulated the people of Oja-Odan for the great feat, adding that there is need to first have a king before they could have the Gazette, which would specify the ruling houses in the community.
Oba Olugbenle enjoined the people of Oja-Odan and its environs to cooperate with Kabiyesi in order to foster development which has been stalled in the last twenty years due to chieftaincy tussles.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobeshe appreciated Governor Abiodun and the entire people of Oja-Odan for the confidence reposed on him.
He also called on all the sons and daughters of Oja-Odan to come together as one indivisible family and join hands in developing their common inheritance.