₦airaland Forum

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State on Sunday presented staff of office to the newly appointed Oloro of Oro in the Irepodun local government area of the state, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye, as a Second Class monarch.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, the state governor, who was represented by the deputy governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, said that the ceremony was in exercising the power conferred on him by the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition Law).

The new Gbamoyin of Jimba Oja in the Ifelodun local government area of the state was also presented with the staff of office at the ceremony.

The governor charged the monarchs to use their new positions to promote peace and tranquillity and ensure the participation of their subjects towards the programme and policies of the government.

“To the people of Oro and Jimba-Oja, I urge you all to support your new leaders wholeheartedly, and it is my fervent belief that together we can advance the development and growth of our dear state.”

He also called on the monarchs to ensure they use their God-given wisdom to build bridges of understanding and for the promotion of peace and harmony among the diverse groups in their communities.

Also speaking, the state commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs, and community development, Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, commended the maturity of the Oro and Jimba-Oja kingmakers and their indigenes for the peaceful manner in which the succession exercise was conducted, “despite the numbers of candidates that signified their intention to the throne.”.

The commissioner said that the occasion demonstrated the respect and regard the current administration under Governor Abdulrazaq has for traditional institutions by providing an enabling environment for the citizens to select their monarch without any interference from the state government and any external influence.

He said that the claim could be attested to with the large turnout of people from far and near to witness the epoch-making occasion.

“I wish to appreciate and thank the Oro and Jimba Oja Kingmakers for a job well done without any rancour and to call on other Kingmakers across the State to always ensure the sanctity and credibility of this spiritual function at all times as we pray for long life for all our serving Monarchs”, he said

In his acceptance speech, the newly crowned Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye, pledged to lead with inclusiveness and transparency, ensuring that all stakeholders, including the kingmakers, the Oro Descendant Union, and the entire community, are actively involved in the discharge of his traditional duties.

He emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in advancing the kingdom, calling on all sons and daughters of Oro, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute their support and commitment towards the development and progress of Oro.

Oba Titiloye expressed his vision to uplift Oro to greater heights, stressing that it would require a collective effort to bring about meaningful change and sustainable growth in the kingdom.

He urged all members of the community to take pride in their heritage and to work together in harmony for the common good.

Meanwhile, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye was welcomed in a grand and festive ceremony by the people of Oro, who trouped to Ajase Ipo, the entry point to Oro town, to celebrate the entrance of the new king.

The celebration saw a massive turnout of the community, including youths, elders, children, vigilante groups, transporters, and various well-wishers.

The streets were filled with joyful chants of “Kabiyesi!” as the people expressed their excitement and admiration for their new monarch. The procession highlighted the deep sense of cultural pride and reverence the community holds for its traditional institution.

As part of the celebrations, Oba Titiloye toured key areas of the kingdom, including Iludun Oro and Afin Oro, where he was warmly received by the people.

In a display of spiritual unity, Christian and Muslim clerics, alongside traditionalists, offered prayers for his reign, invoking blessings and prosperity for the entire Oro kingdom.

The diverse prayers reflected the hope that Oba Titiloye’s leadership would usher in a new era of peace, development, and growth for the community.