The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti kingdom in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Moses Akinwande Ogundana, has conferred chieftaincy titles on some dignitaries, including a retired police officer, Chief Okoeguale Fred as the Otunba Gbobaniyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti kingdom.
Others who bag titles include Chief (Mrs) Ehiagwina Joy Patrick, who was honoured with Erelu Yeyemeso of Ikoyi-Ekiti; Chief Jide Omole as the Otunba Bobatolu of Ikoyi-Ekiti kingdom; Chief Mrs Funmilayo Omowale-Bello as the Gbobaniyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti kingdom, while Chief (Mrs) Bolanle Oyeleke (nee Ogundana) was installed as Eye Olori-Omowa of Ikoyi-Ekiti.
Oba Ogundana honoured the dignitaries during his first coronation anniversary held on Saturday, August 17, at St Paul’s Anglican Primary School (Ologede) playground, Ikole-Ekiti.
The monarch used the occasion to commend his subjects for their support and collective efforts in the last one year of his reign.
Reflecting on his one year on the throne, the traditional ruler said it has been a journey with moments of reflection, growth and renewed commitment to the progress and unity of the community.
He said: “When I ascended the throne, I pledged to lead with wisdom, fairness and a deep sense of responsibility towards every member of my community. Over the past year, we have faced challenges, but we have also seen remarkable achievements.
“Through your support and collective efforts, we have strengthened the bonds that unite us, ensuring that our traditions remain alive while we also embrace progress and modernity.
“Over the past year, we have made significant strides in various areas. Our educational initiatives have begun to bear fruit, with more of our young people gaining access to quality education. We have also improved our healthcare facilities, ensuring that our people have access to the care they need. These achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together with a common purpose.”
The monarch advised the people of the community to continue to build on the foundation they have laid, adding that there is still much work to be done and “we must remain united in our efforts to uplift every member of our community, ensuring that no one is left behind. I urge each of you to continue to contribute to the development of our kingdom in whatever way you can.”
Oba Ogundana also used the occasion to congratulate the awardees and chieftaincy beneficiaries, saying their contributions to the development of Ikoyi community necessitated their being honoured, just as he solicited more of their support.
Highlighting his achievements, Oba Ogundana said he had facilitated health centre through the support of Ekiti State Community and Social Development Agency (EKCSDA), provision of solar-powered boreholes at Ikoyi New Site and Ikoyi-Ile, their homestead, and renovation of Community Primary School, Ikoyi-Ile.
The monarch noted that the Ikole-Ikoyi-Igbemo road had been approved by the state governor, adding that contractors will soon move to the site.
Earlier, chairman of the planning committee of the anniversary, Professor Gbenga Aribisala thanked the monarch for the opportunity given to him to serve the community again.
He said the anniversary has provided the opportunity for indigenes of the town to come together and chart the way forward for the development of the community.
While inaugurating the new health centre facilitated to the community by EKCSDA, chairperson of Ikole West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Mosunmade Adeyemo thanked Oba Ogundana for the support he had been given to the council and how he was able to unite the people of Ikoyi-Ekiti community after many years of disunity.
Aribisala, meanwhile, said that apart from the coronation, the first anniversary also witnessed fundraising and foundation-laying of an ultra-modern palace, and conferment of chieftaincy titles and awards to deserving individuals.
He also commended the state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for all the development projects embarked upon by his administration, particularly his commitment to the growth of all communities in the state, of which Ikoyi community is not left out.
Meanwhile, some indigenes of the community were honoured with outstanding and post-humous awards for their contributions to the development of Ikoyi-Ekiti kingdom, among whom were the late Chief Barnabas Kolawole; the late Chief Joel Bayode Odupaye; the late Chief Amos Ajayi Akanle, Reverend Canon Sunday Salaoka; Chief Imam of Ikoyi-Ile, Tiamiyu Abdul-Kareem and others.
The occasion was attended by crème de la crème of the society, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi represented by Oba Olayigbade Adewumi; traditional rulers from Egbe Oba kingdom; monarchs from other Ikoyi communities across Yorubaland, among others.
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