Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinpelu
-It was a warn, wonderful reception, Princess Oluwabukola
The coronation activities of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Hassan Adefarasin, the Ajanaku II, the Alajede of Ijede Kingdom continued at the weekend with the arrival of his first daughter, Her Royal Highness, Princess Oluwabukola Fehintola Adefarasin to Ijede.
Prince Oluwabukola who arrived in a black Prado jeep and dressed in unisex wine Aso -Oke with “Abeti Aja” cap to match was accompanied by her mother, Olori Amope Adefarasin, family members and traditional chiefs led by the Odofin of Ijede, High Chief Babatunde Ogunmuyiwa.
Her arrival which is the concluding part of “Osu Ita” rites which marked the final coronation rites for Oba Adefarasin, usually occurs 2 months and 11 days after the monarch has been admitted into “Ipebi” (place of traditional seclusion) when he is not supposed to see his first son or daughter again until the completion of the monarch’s traditional rites.
She was welcomed with the traditional “Gbedu” drum beat at Abule Eko Junction where family members and residents of Ijede have been waiting for her arrival which is part of the traditional rites.
The arrival and procession moved from Abule Eko Junction through Ijede Road with a large number of people which passed through Ile Omi/Main Flower Road to connect the country home of Oba Adefarasin in Ijede, where it was all festivities as the proud monarch awaited his daughter’s arrival. Before proceeding to the monarch’s house, the crowd had a brief stopover at Ile Omi/Main Flower junction, where the Otunba and Alapinni of Ijede Kingdom, High Chief Adedayo Aba Ajanaku, who also is the Head of the Ajanaku Royal Family, the family that produced Oba Adefarasin Hassan, welcomed the Princess and prayed for her.
At the entrance to the royal family house, there was pouring of water on the floor as the Princess made it into her father’s house holding a ram and was ushered into the compound with another round of Gbedu drum beats to which she happily danced with her mother.
After the traditional Gbedu dance which was hailed by the crowd, Princess Oluwabukola approached her father who sat majestically before her arrival, kneeling down and presented him the white ram as a traditional gift.
In return, Oba Adefarasin also presented her daughter with white ‘Agbada’, traditional neck and hand beads and ‘Irukere’ (traditional horse whip) after which they both went back on the dance floor to Gbedu drum beats.
Speaking with THE IMPACT, Princess Oluwabukola expressed her happiness at the rousing welcome.
“I was quite surprised. A lot of people came out to welcome me, and it was such a beautiful sight to see everyone celebrating and honouring me. I was truly happy to witness it. It was a very warm and wonderful reception,” Princess Oluwabukola said.
She also expressed her satisfaction at the eventual emergence of her father as the Alajede after a prolonged battle.
“It has been a long time coming, and he has now stepped into his rightful place. I feel deeply honoured and proud. It is a blessing not just to me, but to the entire town. I believe this will bring great things, and I know he will do great things for the community.”
The Princess, who said that she was used to her father’s community and political engagements, described his new status as the continuation of his impactful engagement with his people.
“I have seen my father grow from being a local councillor, to serving in the House of Assembly, and then as a local government chairman. I have been part of that journey, watching his progress, his kindness, and his dedication to people.
“Becoming a monarch is simply another step for him to make the impact he has always desired. He truly loves where he comes from and has always wanted to do great things for the community,” Princess Oluwabukola affirmed.
In a royal interview with Oba Adefarasin, he described a daughter’s home coming as a great development.
“Yes, I would say it is a great coming, and I’m truly happy to witness it. For a long time, we’ve only been communicating over the phone, sometimes through video sessions. We’ve always stayed in touch that way, so it brings me great joy to finally see her in person today.”
The royal father reiterated that her royal status is a continuation of his selfless service to his community and its people.
“As I mentioned earlier, this is a continuation of the good things to come. We have served as representatives of the area in the State House of Assembly, and I have also served as executive chairman of Ijede. This moment represents a continuation of dedicated service to the community.
“The people should expect great things from us and from this family. We have their best interests at heart. We love this community, and we have been part of it for a long time. Personally, I have been in this community since 1996.
“This is a joyful moment for us, and we are glad to have everyone share in our celebration. You can see the happiness all around — if you step outside, you’ll see the smiles and excitement on people’s faces. It’s truly a beautiful sight,” Oba Adefarasin said.
High Chief Babatunde Ogunmuyiwa, the Odofin of Ijede confirming that the Oba Adefarasin’s Princess homecoming is the concluding part of the Osu Ita rites, also emphasised that necessary traditional coronation rites have been concluded for the beginning of Oba Hassan Adefarasin’s reign as the Alajede of Ijede.
He thanked the entire traditional institution and people of Ijede, for their support all through the beginning of the coronation rites.
