On Saturday, July 24, 2021, the annals of Iloko-Ijesa Kingdom, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State penned yet another shard of history following the official coronation of Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, Ajagbusi VI, as the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa.
The official coronation was a culmination of a long awaited process sons and daughters of Iloko-Ijesa both at home and the diaspora had been looking forward to.
Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe was elected on Wednesday 26th of August, 2015 as The Ajagbusi-Ekun, Owaloko of lloko-ljesa.
Traditional performers performing to the cheers of the spectators
Six years after, his appointment and election as the Owaloko of Iloko-ljesa was confirmed by the Osun State Executive Council under the leadership of Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola on 19th of April, 2021.
The new monarch, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe inherited the throne of his forefathers nine years after the demise of late Oba Oladele Olashore who died of heart attack at the age of 77.
His traditional rites commenced on 5th of May, 2021 and he was honorably placed on the throne after the completion of the traditional rites on 13th of May, 2021 as the OWALOKO OF ILOKO-IJESA.
The coronation, which held at the Osowusi Muslim Commercial High School, Iloko-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, played host to first rate dignitaries drawn across the political and traditional landscape of Osun State.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife
Government functionaries present at the event include, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Executive Governor of Osun State, Mr Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr Timothy Owoeye, Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Bayo Adeleke, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Evangelist Razak Adeosun, SA Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Femi Akande, Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, and a host of other public officials of the Osun State Government.
There was also no shortage of first class monarchs at Iloko-Ijesa on the day as Oonirisha himself, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife personally bore witness to Saturday’s monumental piece of history. Other Monarchs present at the coronation include Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, His Royal Majesty Dr Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, Owa Obokun and paramount ruler of Ijesa land, and members of Ijesa North Traditional Council.
The event was kicked off by an artistic display of Iloko-Ijesa’s rich cultural inclinations, and was climaxed by the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe by the State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
Indigenes of Iloko-Ijesa land, who spoke with Eko Hot Blog during the historic coronation described the day as the breaking of a long awaited dawn. They expressed optimism that given Oba Akeem’s predisposition to altruism and service to his community, his coronation certainly echoes as a round peg in a round hole.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr Moses Obafemi Agunseye, Agunseye II, and Chairman Oriade Chieftaincy, expressed joy that the long awaited coronation eventually became reality. He also backed Oba Akeem to consolidate on his predecessors accomplishments in the quest to take Iloko-Ijesa to the next level.
“This is a historic event that we thought will not be possible, but to the Glory of the Almighty God, it became a thing that all of us now appreciate. This Kabiyesi, has been waiting for a very long time, but we thank God that this day is finally possible.”
“We hope for him to bring massive development, because his predecessor brought Iloko-Ijesa to an international level. We want him to take it beyond. Because our prayer is, wherever our predecessor stopped, our job is to take it beyond that level.”
Hon Komolafe Oladimeji, the Arole-Ajamo of Ijesa land, who could not contain his excitement, said Oba Akeem’s antecedents serves as an apt index that his reign will usher in unprecedented growth and development to Iloko-Ijesa and all of Ijesa land.
“This is an historic event, and I’m very pleased to be here today. I thank God Almighty that I am a part of this today, because this is a big event in Ijesa land, and we have been looking forward to seeing this day. Glory to Almighty God, today is finally here, and we are happy.”
“Before he ascended the throne, he has been performing wonderfully, every youth in this town love him. He has been giving jobs to the children of Iloko. He has been helping the young and the old before now. Our expectation is that he will do more.”
Also speaking, Alhaja Sherifat Ifaloye, said Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe’s coronation indubitably heralds the beginning of a new Iloko-Ijesa, one which will be characterised by an unquantifiable slew of prosperity and development.
Olori Animashaun, a special guest at the coronation ceremony, also expressed optimism that Oba Akeem would hoist Iloko-Ijesa to greater height, given his proven leadership qualities.
In his appreciation address, Oba Akeem appreciated the contributions governmental and traditional institutions that led to his ratification as the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa. He promised to build upon the incredible work done by his predecessors in a bid to bring Iloko-Ijesa to national and international reckonings.
“I accept with the highest sense of humility and responsibility to serve my people with the fear of God and laws at all times. As the Alaye Oluwa of Owaloko Ijesa I shall operate an open-door policy that will give all citizens of Iloko-Ijesa equal rights and dispense justice without fear or favour.”
Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe wielding his certificate and staff of office
“My acceptance speech cannot be complete without mentioning my predecessors, Late Oba Samuel Oyerinde Olashore JP, Ajagbusi IV, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, who reigned between 1952 and 1989. He indeed was the architect of modern Iloko, and laid a solid foundation for the transformation of this town to what it has metamorphosed to now,” he said.
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(From far right) Adebisi Akande, Former Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, Executive Governor of Osun State, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe and his wifeOlori Modupeola Kikelomo Ogungbangbe
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