AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Tuesday, inaugurated Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari Babalola I, the new Onijagbo of Ijagbo land, tasking him to continue the legacy of uniting and rallying his people for development, peace and unity, while praying to God to repose the soul of the late Onijagbo Oba Salawudeen Olagunju Adeyeye Fagbemi Obembe II.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the governor handed the instrument of office to the new Onijagbo at 3:44p.m. at a ceremony attended by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; Deputy Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly Ojo Olayiwola; TIC Chairman for Oyun Dr. Abdulwaheed Ibrahim; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Mrs Iyabo Modupe Adekeye; first class monarchs such as the Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu; Lateef Fagbemi SAN; and many other dignitaries from across the state.
He said, “Today, I join the rest of our state to congratulate the good people of Ijagbo as I present the 2nd class staff of office to the new Onijagbo, His Royal Highness Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari.”
“Like your great predecessors, Your Royal Highness has been entrusted with the sacred responsibility to lead your people with integrity, fairness, and compassion. I pray to Allah to grant you the grace to fulfil these responsibilities that He alone has given to you because kings are made by God, not men.
“I am confident that Your Royal Highness will join hands with other monarchs and the government to promote development, peace, love, and unity in our state. Let us work together to isolate the criminals and fifth columnists who seek to terrorise our citizens and stifle economic growth in not just Kwara South but in the whole of the state and Nigeria.
“Distinguished sons and daughters of Ijagbo, I urge you to support His Royal Highness wholeheartedly. I appeal to you to work with him for the progress of Ijagbo and Kwara State. Let us build bridges of understanding and promote harmony among all the diverse groups that call Ijagbo home.
“My profound gratitude goes to everyone here today, especially our royal fathers and other senior citizens. Your presence signifies the importance we place in the sacred tradition, welfare, and development of every community within our great state. In partnership with our revered traditional rulers and other stakeholders, our government will continue to ensure that every community thrives and enjoys the benefits of good governance.
“On this note, I congratulate the new Onijagbo of Ijagbo and the great people of this community for this seamless transition. I wish your royal highness a successful reign, blessed with prosperity and progress. May you lead with wisdom and compassion, guided by the values that have defined the illustrious history of Ijagbo.”
On her part, Mrs. Adekeye said the event again demonstrated the respect the administration has for traditional rulers in the state, while enjoining the monarch and the people of the community to reciprocate by supporting the policies and programmes of the government, particularly those affecting the community directly.
However, in his acceptance speech, the new Onijagbo, appreciated the Governor for his respect for traditional institutions.
He said, “Your Excellency, I wish to announce that Ijagbo people are happy with you and solidly behind your progressive government. You have been a friend and benefactor.”
“We appreciate your efforts on building roads, reconstructing our hospital, and upgrading our educational facilities. May God continue to guide you as you continue to pilot the affairs of our dear state towards the right direction.”
In his remarks, the President of Ijagbo Descendants’ Union, Chief Tunde Agboola Oyawoye, said all sons and daughters of Ijagbo have, within his short stay on the throne, noted the passion of the monarch to develop the town, pledging their support to enable him achieve sustainable peace and greater development, while thanking the governor for granting the ascension of the new Oba a speedy approval, and how the government has been friendly and committed to the interest of the community.
Fagbemi SAN, who gave the vote of thanks, said the level of support Ijagbo community enjoys under AbdulRazaq is unprecedented, especially in the area of execution of several developmental projects.
Fagbemi particularly appreciated the Governor for giving the traditional institution enormous respect, saying his physical presence at the event typifies such, while recalling the support the Governor gave to the town during the passing of his father, Obembe II.