Governor Dapo Abiodun
Ijebu-Igbo: thedispatch STAFF
Published, Friday, January 7, 2022
Oba-elect Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo,the Orimolusi-elect of Ijebu - Igbo commends Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for his Administration's nonInterference in his emergence as the Oba-elect for the Orimolusi stool.
Prince Adebajo further lauds 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 traditional process adopted by the town's kingmakers to select him as the Orimolusi-elect.
The Oba-elect who made this known in his goodwill message and made available to thedispatch, said he remained humbled by the overwhelming grace bestowed upon him by this 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, disclosed this at his office.
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 candidate.
Ijebu-Igbo, the home town of some of the nation's prominent politicians, including late Senator Dr Jubril Martins-Kuye, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Lekan Mustapha, former Deputy Governors of the state, Senator Gbenga Kaka and Prince Segun Adesegun respectfully, late Senators Buruji Kashamu, Biyi Durojaiye, and late Afenifere leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya, the telecom mogul and Dr. Gbolade Osinowi, former SDP State Chairman and former Senior Special Assistant to former President Olugen Obasanjo and late President Umaru Yar'Adua among other notable sons and daughters, was without Orimolusi for 27 years following protracted litigations after 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 by the state government end the 27 years interregnum in the Orimolusi Stool.
Commending personalities involved in his emergence on Thursday, the Oba-elect Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, who topped the poll by six votes to four for his closest co-contender, Prince Soliu Sadiku, acknowledged the warrant Chiefs who worked assiduously and diligently with the elders to ensure a hitch-free process.
Read the excerpt of the Goodwill Message:
"With all humility and sincere purpose of heart, I express my unreserved appreciations to God Almighty who in His infinite mercy chose me for this exalted position.
After God Almighty, my greater appreciation goes to His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, the executive governor of Ogun State. You gave a level playing ground devoid of any executive influence. I am grateful sir. I'm of the real opinion that for such an overwhelming grace bestowed upon me by this great choice, no amount of words would ever be great enough to express my feelings of deep gratitude.
My ever humble, gracious and dutiful Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon Bolaji Oluwaseun Odusanya, I felt short of words to express my appreciation to you. I know Ijebu North really got it right having a man with the fear of God and passionate love for the development of his fatherland as our executive chairman. Omobolaji, the wisdom with which you assembled the best of Ijebu Igbo as warrant chiefs will never run dry. I'm grateful!
My deepest appreciation goes to His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr Sikiru Adetona, the Paramount ruler of Ijebu land. May your reign continue to be peaceful and progressive. Thank you Alaiyeluwa.
Further, my sincere appreciation goes to all the five Kabiyesi in Ijebu Igbo. HRH Oba Mufutau Yusuf, the Sopen Lukale of Oke Sopen, HRH Oba Abayomi Olusesan Banjo, the Olokine of Ojowo, HRH Oba Ibitoye Solaja, the Keegbo of Atikori, HRH Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, the Bejeroku of Oke Agbo, HRH Oba Aderemi Ogunye, the Abijaparako of Japara May you all reign long in peace and good health.
To all the warrant Chiefs who worked assiduously with the elders, permit me to list them, for they are worthy ambassadors of Ijebu Igbo. Chief Ademola Adedeji, Prof. Yinka Balogun, Prof. Kola Balogun, Prof. Layi Ogunkoya, Chief Ademola Okusanya, Chief P. O. Omotara, Prof. Bisi Ogunfowora, Mr. Olusegun Olusanya, Prof. B. Obigbesan, Prof. Ayo Ogunye and Mr. Fatai Bolujo. Your commitment to truth, diligence, fair play and fear of God would be difficult to match by any ordinary man on the streets. You are all a cream of our finest. In spite of your busy schedule, you chose to make the assignment given to you more paramount than any personal schedule. Sirs, on behalf of the good people of Ijebu Igbo, I say thank you.
I must not end this appreciation note without acknowledging the great spiritual efforts of all religious leaders in Ijebu Igbo. Men and women of diverse faith and religious groups who have kept unshaken faith with hope by offering prayers and sacrifices to the Almighty God for a king for our beloved town. Your unrelenting spirit has paid of at last.
I say thank you to members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ijebu Igbo Chapter, the League of Imams and all Muslims faithful of our fatherland, all the Isese parapos and many who had in one way or the other sacrificed time, energy and money towards the good cause of having a befitting Orimolusi. I say thank you all.
I promise not to disappoint my God, who chose me for this exalted position. I promise not to disappoint all the good people of Ijebu Igbo Kingdom. I promise to work with purpose and integrity towards restoring the glory of Ijebu Igbo, our fatherland.
Thank you one, thank you all.
E-signed
Prince Lawrence Jayeoba Adebajo
The Orimolusi elect.
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