Metro
I’ve never begged for chieftaincy title in my life – Sir Kesgnton Adebtu a.k.a Baba ‘Jebu
Sir Adebutu Kesgnton, a foremost Businessman and philanthropist of note, is the Chairman of Premiere Lotto. A multiple traditional titleholder, he is the Asoju of Oba of Lagos, Balogun of Remoland, Bobaselu of Ondo Kingdom, Asalu of Ode Remo to mention but a few. This Saturday, the Royal Court of Ile Oodua, Ife Palace headed by His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja III, the Ooni of Ife Kingdom, will be conferring on him, the highest and most prestigious honourary traditional title in Yoruba Land – Odole Oodua of Yoruba Land. In this interview with Ekohotblog editorial team, led by our consultant Editor, Akinduro, he spoke about his relationship with Oba Ogunwusi, his role as Odole Oodua and the significance of the title. Excerpts :
Sir, what is your relationship with the Ooni of Ife?
Well, the Ooni of Ife is a little brother to me and our relationship is quite cordial. I think it’s the cordiality in our relationship and the role I’m playing with my Foundation that can be said to the reasons for this chieftaincy title. You all know that the Foundation is doing a lot in assisting the less privileged.
How would you describe the personality of the Ooni of Ife?
Well, a gentleman and a humble personality. He is also a lucky man. At a very young age, he is lucky to have ascended that throne, a highly revered throne in Yoruba land.
What areas of the monarch’s life do you cherish most?
His humility. He is very humble, quiet and easygoing. Not only that, he is very serious in uniting the Yoruba obas, a development I consider great for the Yoruba race.
What is the significance of the Odole Oodua title that you are being conferred with, today, to you?
It’s of huge significance. The Ooni even emphasized that. In fact, kabiyesi told me it’s not chieftaincy, but a coronation. That’s what Kabiyesi told me. And it’s no sin for one to be elevated. No doubt, I have a lot of titles, titles from one city to the other, all over the country, but this particular one goes a long way, I mean the Odole Oodua. I understand my role spreads all over the Yoruba race. So you can see that it’s a big title.
What specific roles are you expected to play, as the Odole Oodua?
The major role I have to play is to unite the Yorubas. You will agree with me that, uniting the Yoruba race is a huge task. It’s not a small business. But, I’m committed to doing that.
What would you say is the reason for these chieftaincy titles that you’ve been getting across Yoruba land and even beyond the region?
Interestingly, I never asked for these titles. In fact, I’ve never asked for a chieftaincy title in my life. The first chieftaincy I got was in 1972. It was the sister of the late I.S Adewale of blessed memory, a very good friend of mine, then, who went to the Oloto Ogundimu to talk about it, and the Oloto just took me to Oba Oyekan of Lagos. The same thing with, I think the second chieftaincy from Iperu, in Ogun State. I had gone to Iperu to launch the fund to build our hospital and I was introduced as the Babalaje of Lagos. Then the Oba said “Are you the Babalaje of Lagos? Automatically, we are here for you’. I can go on like that. I never for once asked for a chieftaincy title in my life. For your information, last Saturday, I was installed the Asalu of Ode Remo. The Oba had to put pressure on me and said, ‘look, I know after Saturday the 19th of this month (today), you will not accept any other chieftaincy title, but I just have to honour you with this title’, and that was it.
So after Saturday’s ‘coronation’, no more chieftaincy titles for you, Sir?
‘Ojo ki ro k’eri tun se’. When the rain falls you can not have the dews. After the 19th of October, it’s goodbye to chieftaincy titles.
Goodwill message to the Ooni of Ife on his 45th birthday.
I have said it already. I wish him many happy returns of the day and long life in good health.
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