Professor Nosiru Onibon Calls on Ejinrin Community to Rally Around Kabiyesi for Development

Unite under Oba Balogun for Ejinrin’s growth.
Kabiyesi praised for humility and leadership.
Indigenes urged to support community development.

The people of Ejinrin have been called upon to unite and work towards the development of their historic town under the leadership of Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin Kingdom.

Ekohotblog reports that this call was made during the community activities and remembrance prayers for the late queen of Ejinrin Kingdom, Queen Silifat Abisoye Balogun.

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Speaking at the event, Professor Nosiru Onibon, former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED, praised Oba Balogun for his leadership qualities thus describing him as “a humble, rugged, straightforward, unassuming, and large-hearted man.”

Reflecting on his first encounter with the monarch during Hajj between 2014 and 2015, Professor Onibon said, “I first met Kabiyesi in Mecca when I was part of the state team for Hajj.

Despite his royal status, he performed all the Hajj rites alongside everyone else.

You wouldn’t even know he was a Kabiyesi, and that speaks volumes about his personality.”

Professor Onibon also highlighted Kabiyesi’s connection with his people, referring to him as “the people’s Kabiyesi.” He said,

“Coming to his palace, you’ll see how much the people love him. They surround him, seek his advice, and he treats everyone like his own children. Kabiyesi genuinely cares for his people.”

Sharing a personal experience, Professor Onibon shares insights into his relationship with the monarch.

“Kabiyesi is a father, a mentor, and an in-law to me because my brother married his daughter.

Whenever I visit my brother and his wife abroad and Kabiyesi knows I’m around, he speaks to me like I’m his child too. He prays for me and advises me to live a humble and good life.”

In his address, Professor Onibon urged the sons and daughters of Ejinrin, both at home and abroad, to rally around the king and collectively work to restore the town’s glory.

“Ejinrin used to be a trade central for all Yoruba states across the globe.

We must not allow that legacy to fade. As the old Yoruba song goes, ‘Bi ọkọ kan o lọ Ejinrin, ẹgbẹgbẹrun e a lọ,’ meaning, ‘If one cannon refuses to go to Ejinrin, a thousand will replace it.’

This is a rallying cry for all Ejinrin indigenes to come together, meet with Kabiyesi, and strategize on developing the community,” he said.