- Installation of new traditional chiefs and launch of a historic book on Igbooye Kingdom
- Royal fathers emphasised loyalty, tolerance and unity in traditional governance
- New chiefs pledged commitment to peace, empowerment and sustainable development
Igbooye Kingdom witnessed a landmark cultural and historical event as the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, HRM Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, installed new traditional chiefs and formally launched a book titled The Memoirs of Igbooye’s Traditional Chiefs and Brief History of the Kingdom.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the ceremony, rich in tradition and symbolism, brought together royal fathers, chiefs, community leaders and indigenes from far and near.
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The installation featured prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom who have distinguished themselves in service and commitment to community growth.
Those installed include Chief (Engr.) Abdulbariu Olugbenga Quadri, the Olisa of Igbooye Kingdom; Chief (Engr.) Morufu Oludare Salami (Egbo), Eketa Ilu of Igbooye Kingdom; Chief Rasaq Oladipupo Sanni, Otun of Igbooye Kingdom;
Chief (Barr.) Peter Olayinka Oguntimehin; Chief (Mrs.) Silifat Jadesola Amadasun, Iyalode of Igbooye Kingdom; Chief (Mrs.) Olusola Odusanya Omotoso, Erelu of Igbooye Kingdom; Chief Oluwaranti Adebanjo, Eleku of Igbooye Kingdom; and Chief Rufus Adedipe, Aare and Balogun of Igbooye Kingdom.
The traditional rites and installation process were jointly carried out by respected monarchs present at the occasion, including the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu, the Alade Uraka of Poka, the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri, the Aladegbawojo of Odogbawojo, and the Gbadewolu of Araromi.
The royal fathers offered prayers for wisdom, long life and peaceful reign for the newly installed chiefs, while also counselling them on humility, discipline and loyalty to the throne.
In an interview, Oba Aderibigbe,the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu highlighted the importance of the event, describing the newly installed chiefs as the backbone of the kingdom’s traditional administration.
He explained that they form the core advisory council of the monarch and play critical roles in decision-making, cultural preservation and community governance. According to him,
“These are people who plan with the king, make decisions with the king and support the king in the administration of the community.”
He further clarified that while some chiefs are part of the main Oba’s cabinet, others are responsible for monitoring and managing traditional and cultural affairs, while some titles are honorary, conferred in recognition of outstanding contributions to community development.
He cautioned the chiefs against arrogance and disloyalty, stressing, “They must work with their monarch, respect him and never speak ill of him.”
The Alayandelu also offered words of encouragement to Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, urging him to remain patient and tolerant in the face of challenges associated with the throne.
He noted that envy and false accusations are common against traditional rulers, especially from jealous individuals, but advised,
“You should not be moved by their actions; stand firm and continue to be the good monarch you are.”
Speaking on behalf of the womenfolk, the newly installed Erelu of Igbooye Kingdom pledged to prioritise inclusive development and social empowerment. She stated,
“I will be a source of development to Igbooye, especially by empowering women, widows, single mothers and youths, to ensure that our community grows and is recognised globally.”
Speaking further, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa explained that the selection of the newly installed chiefs was done with fairness and inclusiveness.
He said the process cut across all ruling houses in Igbooye Kingdom to promote unity and collective ownership of leadership.
According to the monarch, “The selection of these chiefs was done across the ruling houses in Igbooye, and they must all go back home to create peace in their various quarters.”
The Orijeru added that the individuals selected were chosen based on their character, capacity and integrity.
He noted, “Those we selected are learned and responsible fellows who cannot be easily manipulated by anyone, and I believe they will serve the kingdom with wisdom and sincerity.”
Explaining the historical relevance of the chieftaincy titles, the monarch said the institutions date back several centuries, tracing their origins to the migration of Igbooye ancestors from Ile-Ife.
He added that governance is a collective responsibility, noting, “The king cannot do it all alone; these traditional chiefs work with the monarch to achieve progress and development for the community.”
The Orijeru urged the newly installed chiefs to work in unity and harmony, stressing that peace remains the foundation of sustainable growth.
He also appealed to residents to see one another as members of one family, noting that unity would ensure that everyone becomes a beneficiary of the success Igbooye has to offer.
In his remarks, the Olisa of Igbooye Kingdom described the community as richly endowed with natural resources and expressed readiness to contribute meaningfully to its advancement.
He said, “Igbooye is blessed, and if we unite with our king, progress will come to us all.”
Similarly, the Eleku of Igbooye Kingdom emphasised peace and reconciliation, urging aggrieved indigenes to abandon bitterness and embrace dialogue.
He noted that peace is essential for development, saying that choosing harmony over conflict would ensure a stable and prosperous Igbooye.
The book launch added intellectual depth to the occasion, preserving the kingdom’s oral history, traditional hierarchy and cultural evolution for future generations.
The event reaffirmed Igbooye Kingdom’s commitment to unity, cultural preservation and inclusive development.
