Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq 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.
The Governor handed the instrument of office to the new Onijagbo at 3:44p.m. at a ceremony attended by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; Deputy Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly Ojo Olayiwola; TIC Chairman for Oyun Dr. Abdulwaheed Ibrahim; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Mrs Iyabo Modupe Adekeye; first class monarchs such as the Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu; Lateef Fagbemi SAN; and many other dignitaries from across the state.
“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,” the Governor said.
“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 fulfil 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 monarchs 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.”
Mrs. Adekeye, for her part, said the event again demonstrated the respect the administration has for traditional rulers in the state.
She enjoined the monarch and the people of the community to reciprocate by supporting the policies and programmes 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 Ijagbo people are happy with you and solidly behind your progressive government. You have been a friend and benefactor,” the monarch said.
“We appreciate your efforts on 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 towards the right direction.”
President, 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 monarch to develop the town, pledging their support to enable him 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.
Fagbemi SAN, who gave the vote of thanks, said the level of support Ijagbo community enjoys under AbdulRazaq is unprecedented, especially in the area of execution of several developmental projects.
Fagbemi particularly appreciated the Governor for giving the traditional institution enormous respect, saying his physical presence at the event typifies such.
He recalled the support the Governor gave to the town during the passing of his father, Obembe II.
