Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
Sir (Dr) ‘Soji Onafowokan, KCW, a prominent son of Ikorodu from the Lapele branch of the Olisa Chieftaincy Family, Ereko, Imushin, Remoland and a grand choirmaster, has been accepted as the Olisa -elect of Mushin Kingdom in Imushin, a community in Ogun State and Lagos State, by High Royal Majesty, Oba Taiwo Adebunmi Bamgbose, Wolagunshen 1, the Oni Imushin of Imushin, Remoland.
He was presented by the family to the monarch at his palace on Wednesday, November 5, by the Olisa Chieftaincy Family.
Sir Onafowokan emerged as the Olisa-elect following his emergence about two weeks ago when Ifa priests made consultations for the entire Imushin Kingdom at the palace of Oni Mushin, and he was picked as the most preferred choice for the title.
Congratulating the Olisa -elect, Oba Bamgbose urged his family to be united in bringing back the lost glory of their family, and also join him in developing Mushin.
“Today, I am accepting your presentation by the family as Olisa-elect not because of anything but because he was the one that Ifa oracle picked.
“I did not just pick him, but all the Ifa priests that were brought, after due consultation with the Ifa, picked him and l have no other choice than to accept what the gods have said.
“This title like that of Ikorodu belongs to the entire Olisa family and just like your branch, Lapele, is picked now to ascend the seat, also other branches of your family are also entitled to it and the same thing applicable to the stool in Ikorodu where another branch of your family has presented a candidate, which you too is entitled to”.
Urging members of the family to unite and work together in harmony and peace, Oba Bamgbose re- christened the Olisa-elect as ‘Omolaja’ and ‘Aderopo’ (one that emerged to resolve dispute and bring peace and development).
“Now that your branch has been vindicated through your emergence, you will be the arrow head of this resolution within the family.
“There is no other way to go ahead other than bring everybody together to bring unity into the family and development into Mushin”, the monarch said.
While emphasizing that the ceremony was just the formal presentation of the Olisa – elect, Oba Bamgbose also added that there are other three steps to be concluded for the installation of the Olisa to be completed.
In his remarks, Olisa – elect, Sir Onafowokan, thanked Oni Imushin, Oba Bamgbose, for his leadership, steadfastness and strong will to uphold justice, fairness and equity at all times.
He also expressed his appreciation to traditional chiefs, Baales and the entire Olisa family.
He pledged to join the royal father in ensuring that the Olisa family is united and Mushin experience development.
Special prayers were offered for the Olisa – elect by HRM. Oba Tawio Adebummi Bamgbose, Wolagunshen 1, Chief (Mrs) Abisola Osho, Iyalode Imushin, Mrs Adefolaju Onafowokan, Iya Ewe, Alhaji Olabinjo Lateef, Olootu Lapele, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olotu Baale of Igbosoro, Chief Ifaleti Aborisade, Araba Imushin Remo, High Chief Akeem, Sapajoye and Alhaji Kalejaye.
Other important family members at the presentation were Mrs Modupeola Abiade Onafowokan, wife of the Olisa – elect, Prince and Mrs Gbolahan Odeyemi, Alhaji Lateef Labinjo, Olootu Lapele, Chief Waheed Hassan, Baale Ereko, Chief Rasheed Akintoye, Baale Igbosoro, Chief Toke Okeowo, Baale Eyinogbe, Deacon (Mrs) Kofoworola Ogbechie, Mrs Adefolake Alli, Mama Adefolaju Onafowokan, and Prince Olayinka Onafowokan among others.
