Fanfare as Olugbon confers chieftaincy titles on Makinde, Ajimobi’s wife, others on 6th coronation anniversary

Akinwande Soji-Ojo

The agrarian community of Orile Igbon, in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State came alive on Saturday, June 17, as the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Francis Olusola Alao celebrated his 60th birthday,  sixth year on the throne, commissioned an ultramodern palace and conferred chieftaincy titles on some eminent Nigerians. 

The event, which held at the palace ground in Orile Igbon, was filled with pomp and pageantry and had notable personalities, politicians and dignitaries from  all walks of life in attendance.

Speaking, Oba Alao asked President BolaTinubu to assign active role to the traditional institution in his government, adding that advisory role is not enough for monarchs.

“We are the closest to the people. The British government that colonised us practices democracy and they did not relegate their monarchical institution in their constitution. 

“Look at what happened in the past administration, political actors are drifting away in terms of their responsibility to the people. Traditional institution can provide the right direction.

“If Nigeria want to have a way forward in terms of socio-economic growth, peace and tackle insecurity at urban and rural level, Mr President should involve the traditional rulers,” the monarch said.

In his address, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, said the current administration will continue to strive for the progress and development  of the state.

“Governor Makinde is a forward looking, pragmatic and dynamic and intelligent leader.

“Oyo State under Governor Makinde is striving to ensure that  development cuts across the nooks and crannies of Oyo State.

“We came to do three things here today- to celebrate kabiyesi’s birthday, commission an ultramodern palace and conferment of  chiftaincy titles on notable personalities,” Lawal said.

According to the deputy governor, the people that were installed as chiefs are those that can bring development to orile Igbon, Ogbomoso and Oyo State.

“The governor hopes they will collaborate to bring development to Orile Igbon and Oyo State,” he added.

Those conferred with chiftaincy titles include Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde (Aare Orile Igbon); former first last of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Yeye Oba Orile Igbon); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman, South East, Alli Odefa (Yeye Atayese Orile Igbon); an ally of Governor Makinde, Otunba Seye Famojuro (Balogun Bobajiro Orile Igbon); former PDP candidate for Oyo North Sentorial District, Akinwole Akinwale, aka Wolekanle (Otunba Amuludun Orile Igbon) and Hon Babtunde Tijani (Bobaselu Orile Igbon).

Some of the dignitaries at the event are deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun  Ogunwuyi: High Chief Hamidu Ajibade, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadan land; Olu of Igboora, ; Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Chief Saka Balogun, Senator Hosea Agboola, former Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Chief Bisi Ilaka; Barr. Ayodele Adekambi, Chairmen of Surulere and Ogo Oluwa Local Governments, Isaiah Adegbite and Seun Ojo respectively, among others.