The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on Saturday Installed the Lawmaker representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Iwajowa federal constituency, Hon Shina Abiodun Peller as Ayedero Of Yorubaland and his wife, Ayobola Peller as the Yeye Ayedero of Yorubaland
While speaking, Hon. Shina Peller expressed gratitude to the monarch for the honour, and promised to live up to expectations.
He said ”I am therefore honoured and humbled by His Imperial Majesty’s kind gesture in conferring me with this title of the Ayedero of Yorubaland.
“Even though it is not in my personal culture to celebrate awards and honours as I always consider them as challenge of responsibility, this time, it is different as my inspiring father, His Imperial Majesty has given me wider platform and a greater challenge to continue to promote the peace and prosperity of the Yorubaland.
“In carrying the responsibilities that come with this honour, I am mindful of those cherished lessons and values I have learnt from His Imperial Majesty, who taught me that nothing in life is constant; that we must remember that time is life and things change every here and there; that we must spend everything about us in service of our people; and that there are times some things in the world will be incomprehensible to all.“
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo has charged youths to deploy their talents, energy and vigor to the development of the country.
The foremost traditional ruler recalled the exploits of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Samuel Akintola who, while in their 40s, not only changed the society for better, but built what is today known as Nigeria.
The Alaafin said “From time immemorial is the king and head of Yoruba Nation. He is the only King in Yorubaland who can confer chieftaincy title to a worthy man or woman to cover the whole of Yorubaland”
The traditional ruler further stated that any person that could be conferred with a title that covers the whole of Yorubaland must be of impeccable character.
“Against the backdrop of the principle enunciated above, the Oyomesi, the traditional cabinet of the Alaafin, who are the kingmakers rigorously ascertained the character, business acumen, Philanthropy, and public dispositions of both Dr. Jide Agunbiade as Atobase and Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, as Ayedero of Yorubaland, and found them worthy as thoroughbred Yoruba men who are culturally inclined and traditionally oriented personalities that can wear the toga of Yoruba royalty and to be a promoter of the institution of Chieftaincy”, he said.
Also honoured, are Engr. Jide Agunbiade and his wife. They were conferred with the chieftaincy title of Atobase of Yorubaland.
Hundreds of eminent personalities attended the epoch event held at the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo on Saturday.
Among the dignitaries were the former Governor of Oyo state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Oyo state Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan represented by Oba Adekunle Adebowale.
Others are Ekiti state former Deputy Governor , Kolapo Eleka , Oyo state All Progressive Congress ( APC), Deputy Chairman, Chief Olalekan Alake, Afijio Local Government Chairman, Hon Sunday Akindele, a PDP Chieftain , Engr Femi Babalola, former Commissioner of Police in Oyo, Alhaji Bashiru Azeez, Sen Gbenga Babalola, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Hon Saidu Musa Abdulahi ,representing Niger Gov, House of Reps members, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, and Sen. Gen. Brimo Yusuf.
Arch Bishop Ladigbolu , in his remarks congratulated the new title holders , describing them as the golden jubilee of Yoruba land.
Describing their conferment of th traditional title as very unique, Ladigbolu said the occasion came same year that the Alaafin marked 50th coronation anniversary .
