Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba, is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his coronation.
The grand finale of the anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the Wosam Arena, 199, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The 20th coronation anniversary’s invitation card
In a recent interview with Punch, the monarch, 68, gave a review of his reign, saying he appointed competent advisers to ensure administrative convenience.
“Riding on the heels of the show of love extended to me by my people during the coronation, I decided that I would not disappoint them. That motivated me to put on my thinking cap, exploring ways to bring about a lasting legacy and development for the town,” he said.
“I, therefore, embarked on some administrative restructuring to bring my leadership very close to the people.
“The Ebumawe-In-Council, Oba-In-Council, Council of Baales, and Oloriilus are among the many steps I took for administrative convenience, which culminated in many achievements that have been recorded in the last 20 years of my reign.”
Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba
Oba Adenugba also recalled out his efforts brought peaceful coexistence and development to the community.
He noted that the peace being enjoyed in Ago-Iwoye has led to the establishment of various businesses that have boosted the town’s economy.
“My reign has brought about a peaceful coexistence among the people of the town, which has been aiding developments to take place.
“There is also a cordial relationship between the town and the two universities located in it— Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Alletia University,” the monarch stated.
“More businesses are being established in the town, such as quarry sites, private schools, filling stations, five-star hotels, and recreational centres, among others.
“Offices of different government agencies have also been established in the town, including the Prison Service farm, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) divisional office.
“Also, during my reign, the Ago-Iwoye five-day market was upgraded to a daily market.
“The Rotary Club of Ago-Iwoye was also established, and the age-group associations (Regberegbe) were resuscitated to boost social activities, and foster the spirit of unity and communal development in the town.
“Generally, there has been an improvement in commerce and commercial activities, which has led to the social economic development of the town.”
However, Oba Adenugba admitted that he has faced his own fair share of challenges during his reign.
He recounted how a crisis broke out due to a conflict between his community and students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) over his people’s resistance to change.
The Ebumawe Of Ago-Iwoye, who stated that cultism was a major challenge in the town before his ascension, also narrated how he was robbed at the entrance of the community by armed robbers.
“When I came in, there was serious insecurity in the community. On the day I was coming to the town to begin my ascension process, I was robbed at the entrance of the community by armed robbers,” Oba Adenugba said.
“They asked me to come down and prostrate for them, but I refused and fought with them.
“It was then I knew that there was serious insecurity in the community and that I needed to initiate some bold moves to tackle the challenge.”
Asked how he fixed the security problems, he said he banned people, especially students, from staying out late or sleeping over at beer parlours.
“That was because the bad boys were using beer parlours to plan and perpetrate criminal activities. So, the owners of the beer parlours were actually behind the attack on the palace,” the monarch said.
“They urged and emboldened the bad boys to attack me in the palace, so that I could change my mind about the restriction placed on the night operation of beer parlours, because it was affecting their income.”
Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba
According to Oba Adenugba, his 20th coronation anniversary is all about thanking God.
He recalled how some people people predicted his early demise due to the history of the Ebumawe Of Ago-Iwoye dying early. The 68-year-old said he believes he can spend more than 60 years on the throne of his forefathers.
“During the celebration, I intend to visit all the family houses in the community to thank the leaders and elders for supporting me all through the years,” the monarch said.
“I remember that when I ascended the throne, some people said that Ago-Iwoye kings don’t last long on the throne. But, I told the people that mine would be different, and it has been.
“If the Awujale can be there celebrating 64 years on the throne, I believe I too can.
“More so, whenever I look at what Ago-Iwoye has become in the last 20 years, I always give glory and thanks to Almighty God for endowing me with the wisdom to manage my people, especially the youths.
“Through the regberegbe culture that I revived, I have captured their interests and secured their backing.”
Oba Adenugba was born on February 3, 1956. He attended a teachers’ training college, Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), and finally the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Along the line, the monarch danfo (commercial bus) on the side, picking up passengers from Wharf to Ojuelegba, before going to school.
The Ebumawe Of Ago-Iwoye did that for the two years he spent at YabaTech, and all through the four years he spent at UNILAG.
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