The Alepata of Igboholand and Paramount Ruler of Oorelope Local Government, Oba (Dr) Joel Olalere Olawuwo, has led the traditional council in the local government and the leadership of Igboho community to pay homage to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I.
Oba Olawuwo, who is the permanent chairman of the Oorelope Local Government Traditional Council, visited Oyo in the company of his council members and the Aare Ifelodun Omo Igboho, the apex development body in the local government, on Thursday.
According to the Alepata, the visit was necessitated by the need to pay homage and familiarise with the new Alaafin given the historical relationship between Oyo-Igboho and Oyo.
He said: “I led the Oorelope Local Government Traditional Council and the entire Igboho community under the aegis of the Ifelodun Omo Igboho to Oyo, Alhaji Hammed Adegoke, to visit His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo.
“As the Paramount Ruler and Prescribed Authority in Oorelope Local Government, I recognised the importance of visiting Alaafin to wish him success on the throne of his forebears.
“The visit was also important given the historical affinity between Igboho, which is referred to as Oyo-Igboho and Oyo. You know that apart from the present-day Oyo, Igboho is the only seat of the Old Oyo Empire that is still surviving to date. Four Alaafins were buried in Igbo-Oba, Igboho.
“So, given that all-important bond between the two historical towns, we paid a visit to Kabiyesi Iku Baba Yeye to assure him of our support, cooperation and well-wishes. And, we had a robust discussion with him over matters pertaining to the development of our community.”
