Orimolusi-elect lauds Gov. Abiodun, Awujale, others for non-interference
By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Orimolusi-elect of Ijebu – Igbo, Prince Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, has lauded governor Dapo Abiodun for allowing a level playing ground devoid of any executive influence that ensured his emergence as the Oba-elect for the Orimolusi stool.
Prince Adebajo also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon. Bolaji Oluwaseun Odusanya, and the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona as well as monarchs of various communities in Ijebu-Igbo for their roles in ensuring transparency of the due process adopted by the town’s kingmakers to select him as the Orimolusi-elect.
The Oba-in-waiting who made this known in his goodwill message, said he remained by the overwhelming grace bestowed upon him by this great choice of his people, saying “no amount of words would ever be great enough to express my feelings of deep gratitude.”
Ogun State government had on Wednesday confirmed that an Oba-elect for the stool of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area of the State had emerged.
The State government said the emergence followed the voting of 10 out of the 11 warrant chiefs appointed to elect candidate for the vacant stool of Orimolusi.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, had made this disclosure while fielding questions from journalists shortly after presenting Certificate and Staff of Office to the first Alale of Moriwi community in Imeko/Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Olusegun Taiwo, Oniyunku 1.
Afuape said that “an Oba – elect has emerged as Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo,” but added that he has not gotten details about who the Oba – elect is.
He, however, explained that six warrant chiefs voted for the successful Oba elect.
The populous Ijebu-Igbo, the home town of some of the nation’s prominent politicians, including Senator Lekan Mustapha, a former Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Gbenga Kaka, late Senators Buruji Kashamu, Biyi Durojaiye, late Afenifere leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya, the telecom mogul and founder of Globacom, Chief Mike Adenuga among other notable sons and daughters, had been without Orimolusi for 27 years following the death of Oba Samuel Adetayo, Ikupakude IV, the last Orimolusi, who joined his ancestors in May 1994.
The emergence of Prince Adebajo and subsequent confirmation and coronation later by the state government will eventually end the 27 years interregnum.
Reacting on Thursday to his emergence, an elated Prince Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, who polled six votes to defeat his rival, Prince Soliu Sadiku that scored four votes in the election, commended the warrant Chiefs who worked assiduously and diligently with the elders to ensure a hitch-free process.
