Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has bestowed honourary chieftaincy titles on four prominent indigenes of the ancient city.
The installation of the four was part of the activities marking the first coronation anniversary of the foremost Ibadan traditional ruler.
The ceremony was held on Friday at the ancient Aliiwo Palace, Agodi, Ibadan.
The four newly-installed included Professor Soji Adejumo and his wife, Mrs Emilomo Adejumo; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN, OFR and his wife, Dr Adeola Ayorinde; Alhaji Adebayo Aruna and his wife, Alhaja Funmilola Adebayo; and Colonel Adenike Akerele (rtd).
Professor Adejumo, a former chairman of the Oyo State Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and his wife were installed as Ajiroba and Yeye Ajiroba.
Chief Ayorinde, SAN, OFR and his wife became Agba Ofin and Yeye Agba Ofin, respectively.
Alhaji Aruna, a retired civil servant and former Senior Legislative Assistant in the Ninth National Assembly, and his wife were installed as Asaaju Fiwajoye and Yeye Asaaju Fiwajoye.
Adenike Akerele, the first female from Oyo State to rise to the rank of a Colonel in the Nigerian Army, was installed as the Iyalode Akinrogun of Ibadanland.
Olubadan charged the newly-installed honourary chieftaincy title holders to remain committed to the factors that paved the way for their installation namely, the growth, progress and development of Ibadanland.
The first class traditional ruler recalled that their choice was informed by their contributions towards the growth and development of Ibadanland over the years.
These, Oba Balogun stated, they demonstrated through their respective areas of callings and activities.
The Olubadan therefore urged them to see their new chieftaincy titles as nothing but a challenge to them from Ibadanland to do more.
“You would all agree with me that the conferment of the different Ibadan chieftaincy titles on you was not financially induced.
“Rather, it is in recognition of your quality as individuals who are very passionate about Ibadan affairs.
“This recognition is for you to know that you are being appreciated by your people, whose stool I presently occupy, by the grace of Almighty Allah.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. That is the message to you from Ibadan people. Don’t rest on your oars.
“There are still so many things to do to make Ibadan a place of our dream which all of us can be proud of.
“By this new phase in your respective lives, you are expected to do more than you have been doing.
“Whenever you are called upon for any role, accept such as a call to duty. Our ancestor will reward you abundantly,” Olubadan said.
The new Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Chief Professor Adejumo, responded on behalf of the other new chiefs of Ibadanland.
He thanked the Olubadan for counting them worthy. He said to be identified for that kind of honour among the population of about five million people was not mean.
Chief Adejumo further said such a honour is not something that could be taken for granted.
“On behalf of my newly-installed colleagues, I want to pledge our continued dedication, loyalty and commitment to Ibadan cause.
“We are very much grateful for this honour and promise that we won’t let Kabiyesi down. We won’t let down the people of Ibadan and we will hold dear to our hearts the admonition by His Imperial Majesty,” he added.
The colourful ceremony had in attendance some members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
It was also witnessed by the immediate past senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun and Baale Ekotedo, Elder Taye Ayorinde.
Also in attendance were the Bobajiro of Ibadanland, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, and Asiwaju Oloja-General of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Julianah Titilola Raimi, among other dignitaries.
