Pledges Peace, Unity and Inclusiveness, Urges Residents to Support His Reign

NIGERIA, LAGOS — The people of Igboelerin Kingdom have celebrated the installation of their first monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Muhammed Taofeeq Saminu Adedeji Toriola Aina (Otetuwon/Gbadewolu I), with a colourful nine-day traditional rite that attracted royal fathers, traditional rulers, chiefs, political leaders, family members, residents, friends and well-wishers.

The nine-day ceremony marked a historic milestone for Igboelerin, with indigenes and residents describing the emergence of the monarch as a “new dawn” for the kingdom and surrounding communities.

Among the royal fathers and distinguished guests who graced the historic celebration were His Royal Majesty Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji-Ashade (Ilufemiloye I), popularly known as Jafo Authority, the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom; His Royal Majesty Oba Galib Adeniyi-Rufai (Adeife I), the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom; the Oloto of Oto; the Osolu of Irewe; the Olorogun of Ijanikin; Baale Ashade Mawaola; Baale Agbera Afromedia; Baale of Ajangbadi;  Chairman Iba LCDA, Hon. Yisa Abiola Jubril, popularly known as Abila, alongside other traditional rulers, community leaders and dignitaries.

Their presence added colour and significance to the occasion as they joined the people of Igboelerin in celebrating the emergence of the first Elerin of Igboelerin Kingdom.

The traditional rites provided an opportunity for the people to formally welcome Oba Toriola Aina to the throne and celebrate his emergence as the first monarch of the kingdom.

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Speaking during an exclusive interview with journalists on the ninth day of the Thanksgiving ceremony, the newly installed monarch said his reign would promote peace and unity while fostering stronger relationships among political leaders, traditional institutions, business executives and other prominent stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Igboelerin and its environs.

Oba Muhammed Taofeeq Saminu Adedeji Toriola Aina thanked the Lagos State Government for the long-awaited crown and staff of office. The monarch also expressed gratitude to the indigenes and residents of Igboelerin who stood firmly behind him throughout the challenges leading to his installation.

He commended the state government for its support towards Igboelerin, particularly during his tenure as the Baale of the community. While expressing appreciation for the recognition, Oba Toriola Aina appealed for further government intervention to address some of the pressing needs of the kingdom.

“Oliver Twist always asks for more,” the monarch said, appealing for the provision of good roads, a health centre and a school as some of the immediate priorities for the community. Oba Toriola Aina pledged to promote peace, unity and inclusiveness throughout his reign, while urging the people of Igboelerin to remain united and supportive of the traditional institution.

He noted that the progress of Igboelerin would require collective efforts from the government, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents, urging all stakeholders to work together for the advancement of the kingdom.

Speaking during the celebration, the most senior Olori described the emergence of the monarch as a pleasant surprise and praised Oba Toriola Aina as a peaceful and patient man. She prayed for the monarch’s long life, wisdom and strength to enable him lead the people of Igboelerin towards greater prosperity.

She expressed gratitude to the government for making the long-awaited kingship a reality, while appealing for government intervention in the provision of essential social amenities for the community. The Olori also urged members of the community to support the monarch, stressing that the responsibility of moving Igboelerin forward should not be left to the king alone.

The head of the wives in the royal family also expressed appreciation to God, the government and everyone who supported the monarch and contributed to bringing the kingship to Igboelerin.

They described the installation as a great honour to the royal family and appealed for continued government assistance to provide the facilities needed to improve the quality of life in the kingdom. She equally called on members of the community to remain supportive of the monarch and work with him towards building a stronger and more prosperous Igboelerin.

Also speaking to journalists during the third day of the traditional rites, Chief Agbaakin of Ipaye Kingdom described the establishment of the Igboelerin kingship as long overdue. He commended the government for the initiative and congratulated the people of Igboelerin on the emergence of their monarch.

“Ki Ade pe lori,” Chief Agbaakin said, describing Oba Toriola Aina as a peaceful and hardworking man who had been supportive of the community even before ascending the throne.

He expressed optimism that the monarch’s emergence would usher in greater progress for Igboelerin and appealed to the government to provide essential facilities, including a hospital, schools, good roads and other social Amenities.

The nine-day traditional rite ended with prayers and thanksgiving, as the Elerin of Igboelerin thanked all royal fathers, dignitaries, guests, indigenes, residents, associations, friends and well-wishers who attended the historic celebration and wished them safe journeys back to their various destinations.