Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Tuesday presented the staff of office to the new Onijagbo of Ijagbo land, Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari Babalola I, tasking him to continue the legacy of uniting and rallying his people for development, peace, and unity.
The Governor also prayed to God to repose the soul of the late Onijagbo Oba Salawudeen Olagunju Adeyeye Fagbemi Obembe II.
“Today, I join the rest of our state to congratulate the good people of Ijagbo as I present the 2nd class staff of office to the new Onijagbo, His Royal Highness Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari.
“Like your great predecessors, Your Royal Highness has been entrusted with the sacred responsibility to lead your people with integrity, fairness, and compassion.
“I pray to Allah to grant you the grace to fulfill these
responsibilities that He alone has given to you because kings are made by God, not men.
“I am confident that Your Royal Highness will join hands with other royal fathers and the government to promote development, peace, love, and unity in our state.
“Let us work together to isolate the criminals and fifth columnists who seek to terrorise our citizens and stifle economic growth in not just Kwara South but in the whole of the state and Nigeria.
“Distinguished sons and daughters of Ijagbo, I urge you to support His Royal Highness wholeheartedly.
“I appeal to you to work with him for the progress of Ijagbo and Kwara State. Let us build bridges of understanding and promote harmony among all the diverse groups that call Ijagbo home.
“My profound gratitude goes to everyone here today, especially our royal fathers and other senior citizens.
“Your presence signifies the importance we place in the sacred tradition, welfare, and development of every community within our great state.
“In partnership with our revered traditional rulers and other stakeholders, our government will continue to ensure that every community thrives and enjoys the benefits of good governance.
“On this note, I congratulate the new Onijagbo of Ijagbo and the.great people of this community for this seamless transition. I wish your royal highness a successful reign, blessed with prosperity and progress.
“May you lead with wisdom and compassion, guided by the values that have defined the illustrious history of Ijagbo,” the governor said.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Mrs Iyabo Modupe Adekeye, in her remarks, said the event again demonstrated the respect the administration has.for traditional rulers in the state.
She enjoined the royal father and the people of the community to.reciprocate by supporting the policies and programs of the government, particularly those affecting the community directly.
The new Onijagbo, in his acceptance speech, appreciated the Governor for his respect for traditional institutions.
“Your Excellency, I wish to announce that the Ijagbo people are happy with you and solidly behind your progressive government. You have been a friend and benefactor.
“We appreciate your efforts in building roads, reconstructing our hospital, and upgrading our educational facilities. May God continue to guide you as you continue to pilot the affairs of our dear state in the right direction,” the new Oba said.
President of Ijagbo Descendants’ Union, Chief Tunde Agboola Oyawoye, said all sons and daughters of Ijagbo have, within his short stay on the throne, noted the passion of the royal father to develop the town, pledging their support to enable him to achieve sustainable peace and greater development.
He thanked AbdulRazaq for granting the ascension of the new Oba a speedy approval, and how the government has been friendly and committed to the interest of the community.
The presentation of the staff of office was witnessed by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Deputy Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly
Ojo Olayiwola; and TIC Chairman for Oyun Dr. Abdulwaheed Ibrahim.
Others are Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Mrs Iyabo Modupe Adekeye; first class traditional rulers such as the Olofa of Offa Oba
Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, and Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
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