Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Sunday presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
Adeleke charged the new Owa to rally round all indigenes of Ijesaland for the development of his domain and Osun State in general.
The event took place at the Obokungbusi Town-hall, Ilesa.
The governor congratulated all sons and daughters of Ijesaland both at home and abroad for witnessing the historic moment.
“Such an event took place over forty years ago when our revered departed father, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was presented his instrument of appointment and staff of office.
“His reign was long, eventful, peaceful and full of massive developments in Ijesaland.
“I pray the same for our new Owa, Ade a pe lori, Bata a pe lese. E o pe lori ite awon baba yin.
“Kabiyesi, now that the time of competition is over and you have become the father of all, I urge you to rally round all citizens of Ijesaland for the development of the area and the State at large.
“I urge you to deploy your wealth of experience garnered over the years and your contacts within and outside the country for the development of Ijesaland.
“There is much work to be done and the Government alone cannot be saddled with the responsibility.
“It calls for the concerted efforts of all and sundry,” Adeleke said.
The governor also sought the support and cooperation of the people of Ijesaland for their new Oba.
“I want to seize this opportunity to call on all Ijesa sons and daughters to continue to contribute to the development of the fatherland.
“Our administration is intensifying developmental efforts across the state including Ijeshaland.
“We need your continued cooperation and collaboration to further speed up the growth process.
“In the last two years of my administration, we have made a tremendous impact in the massive infrastructural development of the State, Ijesaland inclusive.
“For the first time in the history of Ilesa, my administration is constructing a dual carriageway in the ancient town.
“This is in addition to several other infrastructural developments in Ilesa and Ijesaland in general.
“I therefore urge all and sundry to continue to support this administration as we take developments to every corner of the state.
“I promise not to relent on our efforts to transform our dear State. We have been doing this and we will continue to do more in the new year.”
“I congratulate all members of the State Council of Obas who are here in Ilesa to felicitate with the new Deputy Chairman I of the Council.
“I urge the Council to continue to advise, support and cooperate with the government in its task of transforming the lives of the citizens of this great State,” he added.
At the well-attended event, the new Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Haastrup, thanked the entire Ijesa people, the governor, members of the State Cabinet, State and Federal elected and appointed political office holders, other traditional rulers, eminent indigenes of Ijesaland from within Nigeria and from the diaspora, members of the royal families, and well-wishers, for their support and encouragement before, during the selection process, and after his appointment had been ratified by the State Government.
He said : “Let me also use this opportunity to salute the patience, resilience and resourcefulness of our youths and reassure them that a new dawn has come.
“Modalities shall be put in place for the productive engagement of our teeming youths in Ijesaland.
“I shall as a policy direction promote economic growth of Ijesaland through agriculture and agriculture allied industries, as well as, supporting creative and strategic development ventures in the Ijesaland.
“There shall be zero tolerance to land grabbing in my name and in the name of other persons, no matter how highly placed.
“Efforts shall be made toward the establishment of Ijesa Technical Institute, placing serious attention to the production of artisans, as it is done in China, Ghana and other places.
He prayed that peace, unity and harmony would continue to reign in Ijesaland, in Osun and Nigeria as a whole.
“My most sincere appreciation to my fellow brothers from the Bilaro family and all of my brother Princes who contested the throne with me. You are all eminently qualified for the stool.
“But, as in all contests, there will always be one winner. The time for the contest is now over. Let us come together and unite to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all the people of ljesaland. For me, there is “No Victor, No Vanquished”!
“My dear people of ljesaland, let us move forward together, united in our pursuit of a brighter future.
“May our land continue to flourish and may we always remain a beacon of hope and freedom.”
“My immediate priority shall be to consolidate on the unity and progress ravaging the whole of ljesaland.
“Fortunately, my task has been made easier by the energy, resourcefulness, cooperation and enthusiasm of our people as shown by the various unification efforts across ijesaland over the past few years.
“Our elders and eminent stakeholders have shown uncommon dedication and loyalty to our land.
“Thank you for your belief, steadfastness and deployment of your personal resources for the happiness of our people. Please be assured that our projects’ conceptualization and implementation shall continue to be driven by the pan-ijesa team spirit to promote harmony, trust and commonality.
“I am eager and willing to do a lot more. With your support and encouragement, I can only build on our legacies and selfless sacrifices.
“Let me also use this opportunity to salute the patience, resilience and resourcefulness of our youths and reassure them that a new dawn has come.
“Modalities shall be put in place for the productive engagement of our teeming youths in Ijesaland.”
Meanwhile, while the official selection process which began on Friday, December 27th, has now been completed with the presentation of Staff of Office, Oba Haastrup will immediately proceed to seclusion, where other traditional rites will be observed.
Before he ends his seclusion, a date for the elaborate coronation party, befitting of the first-class king who has previously served as Deputy Governor of the state, would be announced.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
