Your Reign Has Been Inspiring, Ilobu Indigenes Hail Olobu On 50th Coronation Anniversary
Indigenes of Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government of Osun State, have hailed the traditional ruler of the town, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, describing his reign as inspiring.
Oba Olaniyan will celebrate his 50th Coronation anniversary on May 25, 2024.
Addressing journalists at a press conference heralding the ceremony, Chairman of the Olobu @50 Anniversary Committee, Alhaji Abdulwahab Falowo, disclosed that the occasion will mark a half-century of dedicated service, patriotic leadership and selfless works towards the development of the community by Oba Olaniyan.
Falowo stated that the traditional ruler, over the past five decades, has been a shining example of selflessness, compassion, and devotion to the well-being of Ilobu town.
According to him, under the monarch’s reign, an indigene of the town, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff rose to the position of Deputy Speaker, the number six person in Nigeria, a son of the community is currently serving as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The text of the press conference reads partly: “Over the past five decades, His Royal Majesty has been a shining example of selflessness, compassion, and devotion to the well-being of our community. His unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ilobu has been inspiring, and his guidance has been instrumental in shaping our town into the thriving hub it is today.
“Let me inform the pressmen here that Oba Olaniyan was enthroned in 1974. To mark this milestone, the committee under my leadership has put together a two-week long events that cover culture, sports, education, conferment of chieftaincy titles and many more.
“The grand finale of these activities will take place on May 25th, 2024 at the Playing Ground of St. Paul’s Grammar School, Ilobu.
“As we reflect on the past 50 years, we remember the countless achievements, breakthroughs, and triumphs that have defined Oba Olaniyan‘s reign.
“His Majesty’s foresight and wisdom have navigated us through times of challenges and changes, always prioritizing the betterment of our people. Under his reign, an Ilobu Indigene has risen to the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the number six person in the country.
“The rise of Ilobu indigenes in political space started with Late Mr Ayo Ojewumi, a brilliant member of the state cabinet in the Old Oyo State. We have in the recent past, produced Secretary to the Osun State Government, among other great politicians that have occupied exalted positions in Osun State and Nigeria.
“In Civil Service, Ilobu has recently produced Clerk to the National Assembly, while the journey to the top echelon could be traced to the era of Alh. Jamiu Ishola Adepoju in the Civil Service of Oyo and Osun States.
“My humble self also rose the position of Deputy Registrar at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Currently, we have Accountant-General and Auditor-General for Local Governments in Osun State, several Permanent Secretaries, renowned business moguls, among others, who are indigenes of Ilobu.
“In the years under review, Late Asiwaju of Ilobu land, Alhaji Hassan Olasupo Arogundade reached the peak of his career by becoming the Managing Director of Trans International Bank. In military, Ilobu currently has a son serving as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In terms of educational development, Ilobu has moved from a community with two secondary schools to seven, while we have lots of private schools in our community. The community is also housing a tertiary institution – Westland Polytechnic. No family house in Ilobu without a graduate, while several professors have also been produced in Ilobu.
“This anniversary is not only a celebration of His Majesty’s remarkable tenure but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions that make Ilobu unique. We honor the legacy of our ancestors and the resilience of our community, which has flourished under the leadership of His Royal Majesty.
“As part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Olobu of Ilobu will be conferring chieftaincy titles on some distinguished Nigerians, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his sister, Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, Ilobu-born business mogul, Azeez Olalekan Kolade (AZKOL), Senator Olubiyi Ajagunnla, among others.
“As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and optimism, knowing that His Majesty’s continued guidance and wisdom will propel our community towards even greater heights. We thank the Almighty God for the life of our monarch and most importantly, for the long reign. We beseech Him for more prosperous years”.
Ismaeel Uthman is an Editor, Media Consultant with over 14 years experience in print journalism.
A consummate writer and reporter, Uthman has received accolades for his works, especially one that appeals for good governance and community development. He is a recipient of many laurels, including the Best Investigative Reporter (Print) Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, in 2020.
