Kunle Adelabu
Today marks the 9th year the then Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, presented the staff of office and the certificate of recognition to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, as the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, thus, the beginning of an eventful and progressing reign.
The former governor was represented by the then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Muslim Folami at the presentation that took place at the Adeboruwa palace in Igbogbo.
During the presentation on Monday, July 25, 2016, the Kingmakers also crowned the Oba kasali to the roar of “Kaiyesiiiiii” by dignitaries and crowd of guests and residents at the palace
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade I, on receiving the recognition by the governor took the title of ‘Emugoriade I’ at the ceremony.
His letter of confirmation by the Lagos State Government as an Oba was received by the Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA late on Friday, July 15, 2016 after Oba Kasali emerged as the most preferred candidate after the kingmakers’ screening on Monday, April, 2016.
Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in his address at the presentation stated: “I am delighted to be part of this memorable and historic occasion of the official installation and presentation of Staff of Office and Instruments of Appointment to His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun as the Oba Adeboruwa (Oloja) of Igbogbo.”
After going through due process and obtaining the concurrence of the Local Government, the State Executive Council approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali as Oba Adeboruwa (Oloja) of Igbogbo.
To the entire people of Igbogbo, and all sons and daughters home and abroad, I rejoice with you on this auspicious occasion and urge you to give unalloyed support to the new monarch in order to enable him to continue to safeguard the sanctity of this sacred and highly reserved institution.”
Oba Kasali in his own address stated that his emergence would bring social and economic development to the ancient town of Igbogbo.
“This event marks a turning point in the affairs of Igbogbo Kingdom and Ikorodu Division in general. We shall practise an open-door policy and everyone shall have opportunity to contribute his or her quota. Our plan is to rebrand Igbogbo Kingdom, facilitate socio-economic developments, encourage cultural rebirth, improve our traditional status, propagate Igbogbo Kingdom tourism potentials and maximize her human and material resources for the benefit of the Kingdom. This is our pledge and we are assured that God will grant us the ability, capacity and capability to succeed. Amen.”
The monarch who appreciated his co – contestants also called for support and cooperation from the stakeholders and generality of Igbogbo residents.
Speaking on phone with THE IMPACT on the anniversary, Oba Kasali, congratulated his ruling house – Ijaolu Ruling House of Igbogbo, the Adeboruwa -in – Council, sons and daughters of Igbogbo and residents for the successful and eventful nine years.
He said that the years have witnessed tremendous development – socially, economically, politically and in other aspects as well.
The royal father said that the developments were made possible with cooperation and support of stakeholders in Igbogbo who kabiyesi said he is also counting on for further developments in decades to come.
Oba Kasali charged sons, daughters and residents of the ancient Igbogbo Kingdom to continue to be peaceful, law – abiding and cooperate with the government.
He assured them that developments in is kingdom will continue to improve because he alongside his chiefs and other major stakeholder are not relenting.
Oba Kasali, a lawyer, was elected from Ijaolu Royal Family of Itun-Nla in Igbogbo. He attended University of Ibadan (UI) for his first degree and got his Master’s from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
