The colourful ceremony, held in Akinale town on Monday marked the formal ascension of Oba Adediran to the revered traditional stool, following the demise of the former Towulade, Oba (Dr.) Olufemi Ogunleye, who joined his ancestors on June 19, 2024.
In his address, Governor Abiodun represented by the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat lauded the peaceful and transparent selection process that produced Oba Adediran, noting that it complied fully with the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, as well as the customs of the Akinale community.
“Kabiyesi, by your appointment as the new Towulade, you are a high ranking member of the Egba Traditional Council and a permanent member of the Ogun State Council of Obas. I beseech you to regard this appointment as a call to serve".
Governor Abiodun tasked the new monarch with mobilizing his people to support the state’s development agenda, particularly under the “Building Our Future Together” initiative.
“I am confident that you will concentrate on the task of accelerating the pace of socio-economic development in Akinale and Egbaland by mobilizing your people in such a manner that their efforts will complement our Administration's “Building our Future Together" Agenda in Ogun State.
"In performing this task, you will need the cooperation and support of your people. I implore you to be the father of all, irrespective of political, religious, and social inclinations. Be sure to extend hands of love and fellowship to all sons and daughters of the soil and deploy your vast managerial and leadership skills to bring more development to Akinale and Ogun State in general.
He also cautioned against involvement in land-grabbing activities, referencing the existing Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law, and urged the new monarch to work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence within and beyond his domain.
“I want to swiftly inform Kabiyesi of the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law in Ogun State, which amongst others, prohibits land-grabbing and wanton allocation of lands in the State for personal gains, without due recourse to the appropriate authority.
" I must say that the Ogun State Government does not only frown at land-grabbing activities, but detests involvement of any Kabiyesi in such dastard acts.
" In this wise, I advise our new Kabiyesi to support the anti-land grabbing campaign by ensuring that measures and machinery are put in place to curb land grabbing and other related criminalities in your domain.
The Governor extended his gratitude to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo for his blessings and fatherly role in facilitating the smooth emergence of the new monarch.
“At this point, permit me to specially appreciate the supportive role played by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland who, without hesitation, gave his blessings in favour of the appointment of the new Towulade of Akinale.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, described the occasion as a “new dawn” for Akinale.
He praised the synergy between state officials and traditional rulers in ensuring a seamless transition and expressed hope that Oba Adediran’s reign would usher in peace, unity, and progress.
“, I wish to appeal to all the poeple of Akinale both at home and in diaspora to please rally round the new Kabiyesi in order to take Akinale Town to enviable hieghts. Where there is unity, there will be development and progress. Hence, I call for your absolute cooperation with the Kabiyesi, please.
“I say congratulations to Kabiyesi, Oba (Dr.) Oluwaseyi Adediran and Akinale Community on behalf of the good people of Ewekoro Local Government on his well-deserved ascension to the throne as Olu of Akinale.
“I pray Almighty God grant him good health, long life and divine wisdom to lead his subjects. Kabiyesi, may your reign be fruitful and peaceful (Amen)”.
In his acceptance speech, the Otileta 1, Towulade Of Owu Akinale His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Oluseyi Adewole Ayodeji Adediran expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun and the kingmakers for the trust bestowed upon him.
He revealed that he sought and received the blessings of his family before embarking on the traditional journey, noting that he is prepared to serve with diligence and inclusiveness.
“I accept this huge responsibility. I’m quite ready,” he said. “Akinale is not my project; it’s everybody’s project. The level of our unity will determine the level of our success.”
He appreciated the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adeola Matemilola, for facilitating a free and fair selection process, and extended his gratitude to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu,the Alake of Egbaland , His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo for their guidance and support.
“I remain grateful to the Governor, and I’m still expecting a lot from him,” Oba Adediran said.
The installation ceremony was graced by top dignitaries including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat; traditional rulers , political leaders, and sons and daughters of Akinale from all walks of life.
