Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
-As Adeboruwa’s 10th coronation anniversary kicks -off
The 10th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, on Sunday, formally kicked – off with the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, calling for empowerment for the traditional rulers through constitutional roles.
Aroyewun emphasised that through constitutional recognition, traditional rulers will play more significant roles in terms of development in the community.
The council boss made the call at the Adeboruwa Palace, during the “Iwure” (traditional prayer) ceremony which formally heralded the commencement of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo.
”Government needs to empower the traditional rulers so as to be able to carry out their functions very well.”
”I am an advocate of giving our traditional rulers a significant role in the development, decision making process of our society the way it has been before. You can see Kabiyesi is more like a cultural head now, unlike before (when an Oba acted as a natural ruler and political head).
“There’s a need to really empower them, because there is no decision, no development that they are not being part of, but constitutionally, they are not empowered, which is not fair enough to them. So, I advocate for that empowerment.”
Aroyewun, assessing the last 10 years under Oba Kasali in Igbogbo, said that his reign has brought tremendous development in every facet of the community.
”God who has been so kind in his infinite mercy to have given us a good Kabiyesi, a lawyer by profession, a gentle Kabiyesi, a progressive minded Kabiyesi, who wants the development of the people; the youths, women, market women, all and sundry.
”On development of Igbogbo Kingdom, and Igbogbo/Bayieku by extension, I am so happy that so far, so good, there has been a significant improvement in the development of our people, and infrastructure, since Kabiyesi ascended the throne of his forefathers. To God be the glory. We are indeed thankful to him.”
He also said that despite being a Mislim, Oba Kasali has not abandoned the tradition and culture of Igbogbo.
”When Kabiyesi ascended the throne, some believed that he cannot do much as a practising Muslim, especially in terms, of protecting the tradition and culture of our people. To the surprise of many people, Kabiyesi has indeed significantly protected the culture, tradition, and our heritage.”
”There is no tradition that they are doing in this kingdom without his involvement, even those that have been abandoned, Kabiyesi has re-awakened them to bring peace and tranquility, and development to Igbogbo Kingdom.”
Aroyewun called on other stakeholders in Igbogbo to learn and emulate the Adeboruwa.
”My message to our people is that we should emulate Kabiyesi’s humility. We should emulate his proactiveness, kindness and his generosity. We should continue to pray for our society, we should continue to be in one accord. There is strength in unity. And once we are in unity, we can confront any form of challenges that may come up or may arise against our society.”
Welcoming traditional rulers, guests and residents to the ceremony, the Chairman, Planning committee, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, thanked them for the attention and support for the weeklong anniversary.
”I want to specially recognise our traditional worshippers and practitioners. We appreciate everyone who has come together to support this celebration.
”As we mark ten years of progress and achievement, from 2016 to 2026, we pray that this celebration will be successful and memorable.”
Prince Waheed Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and a prominent son of Igbogbo who also attended the ceremony, also commended the royal father for the development that Igbogbo has witnessed under his reign in the last 10 years.
”Yes, it has been ten years of impactful reign in the stool as the traditional ruler in Igbogbo Kingdom. His Royal Majesty, Oba Barrister Abdulsemiu Kasali, has been able to revolutionise Igbogbo economically, socially, and generally.
”We have witnessed several developments. We have coordinated efforts, even between the Royal Majesty and the Adeboruwa in Council. And that is the core of his reign. The teamwork between the Kabiyesi and the Adeboruwa in Council and with this, we have witnessed massive development in the Igbogbo Kingdom.”
The Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, Odofin Tajudeen Onasanya, who led the traditional chiefs in Igbogbo to the ceremony, congratulated Oba Kasali and commended his reign in the last 10 years.
In his royal remarks, Oba Kasali describe the anniversary as moment of thanksgiving to God for his protection, unity and development in Igbogbo.
He appereciated the council chairman, Omo’ba Aroyewun and other stakeholders for their support in the last 10 years.
At the ceremony were the two Adeboruwa Oloris, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba David Raji, the Eweye of Isiu, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, the Chairman, 10th Coronation Anniversary Central Committee, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon Sesan Daini, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun Newspaper among others.
Different traditional groups, Osugbo, Turupu, Elegun, Alawopa, Olorisha, Alapepe, Babalawo, Alagemo, Eleluku , Poro Abosan, Oloro Meri, Oloro Oluodo, Oniyewa and Asa among others, paid homage to the Adeboruwa during the event.
