President Bola Tinubu on Friday Charged the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haasrtrup to continue to be a pillar of unity and a bridge between the past and the promise of tomorrow.
Tinubu who made the charge at the coronation anniversary of Owa Of Ijesaland in Ilesa, stated that, “Our nation yearns for peace, equity, and progress, and traditional rulers like yourself have a vital role to play in achieving this vision. May your palace be a sanctuary of justice, dialogue, and service.”
Represented by Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister and Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor of Osun State, the president told the monarch, “You embody the noble virtues that this throne demands—humility, courage, intellect, and compassion. I am confident that under your reign, the cultural splendour of Ijesaland will not only be preserved but elevated to new heights.”
“To the sons and daughters of Ijesaland, I bring you the greetings of a grateful nation. Your contributions to the growth and unity of our country are known and cherished. Ijesaland is a land of honour, industry, and distinction—a land that has given Nigeria men and women of brilliance, conscience, and character.”
“As we celebrate our new monarch, let us remember that our cultural diversity is not a burden, but a strength that enrich our national identity. In our royal institutions, we find deep wells of wisdom, guardianship, and moral authority. The place of the traditional ruler remains central in promoting communal harmony, resolving conflicts, and fostering grassroots development.”
“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration is fully committed to supporting the aspirations of all communities, including the great people of Ijesaland.”
“Through ongoing federal initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, we are working to uplift lives and expand opportunities across the nation. We recognize the resourcefulness of this land and will continue to partner with traditional institutions to ensure that development is inclusive and enduring.”
“As we move forward, I call for deeper collaboration between traditional authorities and government at all levels. Let us work hand in hand to confront the challenges that face our people and to deliver meaningful change — change that is visible in schools, in markets, on roads, and in the dignity of every citizen”.
“Your Majesty, as you ascend the throne of your ancestors, may your reign be long, peaceful, and prosperous. May you govern with wisdom, and may the land over which you reign flourish in unity, abundance, and pride. May your tenure be a golden era for Ijesaland, Yorubaland, and Nigeria. May the Almighty bless you with wisdom to lead and strength to serve.”
“To the good people of Ijesaland, I say: celebrate this day with joy and look to the future with hope. The greatness of your past is the foundation for a greater tomorrow, ” he submitted.
In his own speech at the occasion, the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke congratulated the monarch on his coronation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the overall development of Ijesaland.
The governor further assured that his administration is open to further Public Private Partnership in all areas and ready to collaborate with the new monarch for the development of Ijesaland.
“In line with our promise, Ilesa is now a university town. Over 50 courses are already accredited. We are building the internal infrastructure within the university. The university management is building a credible global institution under the direction of our administration.”
“I am glad to announce that the General Hospital, Ilesa has been approved as the Teaching Hospital for the University of Ilesa. This will boost Ilesa as a centre of medical excellence.”
“We are focussed on the upgrading of Ilesa to a modern city. Hence, we are almost completing the over 12 kilometers Ereja Square-Brewery Junction dual carriageway. This landmark project for the first time is opening up Ilesa for business and pleasure.”
“In the mining sector for which Ijesaland is heavily affected, our administration is implementing far-reaching mining reforms. We are tackling illegal mining and combating environmental degradation.”
“I am happy to inform Osun people and Ijesaland in particular that Osun is officially a shareholder of Thor Exploration firm, the owner of Segilola Gold Project. We are ensuring maximum gains to the state from our natural resources”.
“As we are developing Ijesaland, we are repeating similar feats at Ifeland, Osogboland, Iwoland, Igbomina land and Edeland. Our government is spreading development to all corners of Osun state, he stressed.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; and a representative of the Alaafin of Oyo.
Others were, former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; business mogul and philanthropist, Dr. Deji Adeleke; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, who represented President Bola Tinubu.
Meanwhile, all trading activities in Ilesa were paralyzed, as market women locked up their shops and stores in honour of the monarch’s coronation ceremony.
Also, the Owa’s palace was jam-packed with large people who came from all walks of life to grace the occasion, while heavy security operatives comprising of military men and para-military from the police, NSCDC, State security services, the South West Security, co-named Amotekun Corps were also on ground to maintain law and order.
Also, Oodua militant group members led by their leader and Are Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams were heavily present in large numbers at the occasion.
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