The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, has installed Chief Gbenro Olalekan Akinwale Aremu as the Mogaji Gbenro Oluwo Sakotun of Oke Aremo, Ibadan. This prestigious title is a testament to Chief Olalekan’s commitment to promoting the culture and tradition of Ibadan.
The installation ceremony, which took place at the Olubadan Palace, was attended by dignitaries and family members. In his acceptance speech, Chief Olalekan pledged to unite the compounds without discrimination, foster harmony and cooperation, and promote the city’s culture and tradition.
“My choice by our family to become the Mogaji was unanimously agreed to appoint me as Mogaji Gbenro Oluwo Sakotun of Oke Aremo,” Chief Olalekan said. “As I embark on this new journey, I reaffirm my commitment to uniting our compounds without any form of discrimination. Unity is key to our progress, and I am dedicated to fostering an environment of harmony and cooperation.
“To further demonstrate my dedication to our community, I have initiated several projects, including the construction of a Customary Court and boreholes to improve our access to clean water. Additionally, I have begun renovating our ancestral home, Gbenro’s House, to preserve our heritage.
“In keeping with our family’s tradition, I plan to continue celebrating festive occasions on December 25th, just as our father, Gbenro, did. This annual celebration will serve as a reminder of our shared values and strengthen our bond as a united family.
“By God’s grace, I pledge to continue working tirelessly for the betterment of our community, upholding the principles of unity, progress, and cooperation that our father instilled in us.”
Chief Olutayo Gbenro, the Bobagunwa of Ajiwogbo Land in Lagelu Local Government and Family Head of the Gbenro Clan, expressed his gratitude to God and the community leaders for their support.
“Our ancestral lineage dates back to Sakotun Oluwo, who was the father of Onaniran, and subsequently, the grandfather of Gbenro,” Chief Olutayo Gbenro said. “Gbenro was blessed with 20 children, and we are grateful for their lives. The only surviving child, now 85 years old, resides in Germany and has been informed of our recent family developments.
“In the past, our family held the position of Mogaji, with our father, Gbenro, being the last to be installed. Since then, we have maintained the Chieftaincy Title of Baale. However, we collectively decided to reform our traditional system, paving the way for a new Mogaji.
“During our family meeting, we unanimously agreed to appoint a new Mogaji. After careful consideration, I approached Olalekan, and he accepted the role without hesitation. We presented him to Sakotun and Ibiwumi, who welcomed him warmly. The installation ceremony took place, and Olalekan was formally accepted by all the grandchildren.
“We are grateful for the support of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, Olubadan in Council, and all the Mogajis present. Olalekan has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our family and community. He has undertaken various projects, including digging a borehole in our hometown, Oluwo, Egbeda Local Government. His humility and respect for tradition make him an ideal candidate for the position of Mogaji.
“We express our sincere gratitude to God for guiding us throughout this process. We also appreciate the support of our community leaders and elders. May Olalekan’s installation as Mogaji mark the beginning of a new era of peace, prosperity, and unity for our family and community.”
Chief Mrs. Kemi Gbenro, wife of Chief Gbenro Olalekan, thanked the guests and family members for their presence and support.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I stand before you today,” Chief Mrs. Kemi Gbenro said. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your love, support, and encouragement. Your presence here today means the world to me and my family.
“I am proud to stand beside my husband, Chief Gbenro Olalekan, as he embarks on this new journey as the Mogaji Gbenro Oluwo Sakotun of Oke Aremo. She concluded.
