De-Damak: New Aare of Ibadanland
New waves must overtake the old. In Oyo State, a new Aare of Ibadanland has been appointed. The appointee, Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, who is known as De-Damak among friends, is considered virtuous and capable, just the man for the job. Running alongside the vision of his predecessors, De-Damak is expected to help promote unity and prosperity in Ibadan, bringing happiness and pride to the sons and daughters of Ibadan soil in the coming days.
The entire Akinola family is currently celebrating the rise in status of De-Damak. The socialite who is the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, has been confirmed by the Olubadan-in-council as the next Aare of Ibadanland. With this confirmation, De-Damak is next in line to receive praise and expectations from the people.
Although the installation date has not been announced, Ibadan natives are patiently waiting to see De-Damak rise in influence as Aare of Ibadanland alongside his wife, Mariam Akinola as Yeye Aare of Ibadanland. Both of them are supposed to continue from where former and late Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence Ajimobi, stopped.
In reality, De-Damak and Mariam will continue the legacies from the very roots of the title. It started with Oluyedun Adubiaro, and his wife, Iyanda. It moved to Bishop Alexander Akinyele, during whose time the implications of being Aare of Ibadanland were watered down a bit, becoming honorary rather than actively martial. Then it moved to Archdeacon Oladipo Alayande, then AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao, before it settled on Ajimobi who passed away in 2020.
Interestingly, during Alao’s time, he was also Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland like De-Damak is now. De-Damak’s appointment is consequently fortunate, and, one might say, aligned with the will of history.
Great things are expected of De-Damak when he takes over the position. He will continue the thread of stellar leadership exemplified by Ajimobi and other predecessors.