NEWSROYALE Glamour and tradition as 14th Olota mounted stool
The people of Ota and guests troop out clad in their best to grace the official coronation of the Olota of Ota.
Noted for their deep culture and tradition, the people of Ota at home and in Diaspora were at their best when 14th traditional ruler of Ota-Awori Kingdom, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, was formally installed as the new ruler of the ancient town.
It was an occasion that drew top brass from in and outside Ota, a bustling town described as the industrial nerve centre of the South-West, Ogun State in particular. The subjects and their guests were at their best at the presentation of Staff of Office ceremony.
Some adorned themselves in special attires, with their drummers attached to their tents. They include the hunters’ group, traders’ associations, corporate organizations, and various social males and females bodies.
The presentation of Staff of Office and Certificate ceremony took place at the playing ground of AUD Secondary School in Ota, with Governor Ibikunle Amosun leading dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the event. The event was also attended by many traditional rulers from the South-West and South-East of the country.
The announcement of Obalanlege as Oba was done in November last year by the Kingmakers at the headquarters of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government of Ogun State.
Then, Chief Wadudu Ajani Deinde, Akogun Ota, disclosed that though the council of kingmakers consisted of 12 chiefs, only five were alive who eventually picked the new Olota. He explained further that the kingmakers that have died had not been replaced.
The ceremony started with prayers, while the local government chairman, Hon Oladele Adeniji welcomed guests. He said that by the presentation of Staff of Office and Certificate to the new Olota Ota, traditional institutions are becoming dynamic, saying, “it is through them that our culture and tradition can be protected. Likewise, the positions of the traditional rulers are very important.”
He enjoined the new monarch to use his wealth of experience to bring further unity, peace and development to the ancient town of Ota and its environs.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko prayed for wisdom and good health for the new monarch, saying that Aworiland would experience unprecedented success during his reign.
Ojuko, who can be aptly be described as the “son of the soil” having hailed from the council area, said the smooth selection of Obalanlege was his joyous moments, as he thanked the kingmakers and the entire town for the peaceful transition.
In his speech, former President Obasanjo, described as the biggest tenant in Ota land, felicitated with the new traditional ruler. He informed the guests that he flew in from Morocco to attend the ceremony to show the importance of the ceremony to him.
Obasanjo admonished the Olota to see himself as “father of all” even as he showered prayers on the monarch, stating that his reign would bring peace to the land.
The Chief host, Governor Amosun, enjoined the people of Ota to embrace peace and cooperate with the new traditional ruler. “Be father to all. Embrace all those who contested with you. See them as partners in progress. You have become member of Egba Traditional Council. Bring your wealth of experience to bear,” he said.
Obasanjo added that the monarch should also take cognizance of the metropolitan nature of the town, as an opportunity to elevate the town for better.
Highlighting the importance of traditional institutions to the socio-economic development of the society, the governor further admonished the new Oba to work with other traditional rulers in the state towards engendering unity, peace and development.
While congratulating the new monarch and the Awori people for the historic event, Amosun said it was a step towards continued development of Ota and Ogun State in general.
The governor said: “Let me use this opportunity call on residents to continue to perform their civic responsibilities by prompt payment of taxes, as the strategic position of Ota town in its contribution to the revenue generation of the state cannot go unnoticed.”
He said his administration depended heavily on internal generated funds saying the monarch should harness the opportunity around. Past Olota Ota Oba Akinsewa Ogbolu (1621-1680) Oba Morolugbe (Oba Moro) (1701-1725) Oba Oromolu (1725-1768) Oba Olagoroye (1768-1786) Oba Adelu (1794-1821) Oba Olukori (1821-1853) Oba Oyede I (1853-1882) Oba Isiyemi (1882-1901) Oba Aina Ako (1902-1927) Oba Salami Oyelusi Oyede (1927-1947) Oba Timothy Fadina (1949-1954) Oba Timothy Talabi Dada (1954-1992) Oba Moshood Adetoro Alani Oyede (1997-2016) Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode) (2018 -
Amosun who promised more infrastructural development in the state, reiterated government’s commitment to the completion of the on-going 32km SangoAlagbole-Akute road before the completion of his tenure, adding that his administration would construct another flyover at Ota.
Shortly after, the razzmatazz of ushering the monarch was presented with the rendering of the monarch’s eulogy to the admiration of the crowd. Obasanjo with other top guests joined the governor to present the Staff of Office and the Certificate.
The Olota in his speech pledged that he would not deviate from the path of honour his forefathers thread. He said his reign would see to the continuous soar of the town.
Oba Obalanlege said “As I mount this sacred throne, I do not wish to detract from the path of honour our forbearers thread. I hope, I pray and will work to consolidate on the gains made so far. I rely on your celestial guidance to cause justice, fair play and ground breaking innovations to be our lot in Ota under my reign.
“May the pride of Ota continue to soar higher and higher. I only pray that they get nobler, better and more profound on my ascension to the throne of our forebears,” the monarch said.
He said: “I take on this responsibility to be king over this land and people that the Almighty God has given the vast expanse of land and men and women of goodwill who are known to be virtuous, humane, considerate and very polite.”
The journey of the veteran journalist and University lecturer began after the demise of the late monarch, Oba Moshood Adetoro Alani Oyede, on May 25, 2016, after 19 years on the throne. He was aged 72 and was the 13th traditional ruler of the town.
Obalanlege worked with ThisDay newspapers before becoming a lecturer at the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
After painstaking selection processes by the kingmakers, the 52-year-old don emerged having defeated other 22 contestants. He is from Ijemo Odolosi Ruling House.
A release signed by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, had indicated that Governor Amosun, had earlier approved the appointment of Oba Obalanlege in accordance with Section 2 of the Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2006 and following the demise of Oba Moshood Alani Osanyintola Oyede of Ikowogbe Ruling House.