Over 30 Monarchs Honour Otunba Rufai Adeleke At Installation Ceremony
…As Adeleke Becomes Otunba Fadesewa
Over 30 eminent monarchs and traditional rulers across the Southwest part of Nigeria personally converged and added royal colour and glamour during the installation ceremony of Chief Shakiru Rufai Adeleke as Otunba General Fadesewa and his wife, Oluwatoyin Adekola Rufai as the Erelu Fadesewa by the revered king of Igbeinland, HRM Oba Dr. Festus Oluwole Makinde.
The royal fathers who came in their full glory and colourful regalia in solidarity with the celebrant at the Palace of Onigbein of Igbeinland in the Loburo Town of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State showered praises and accolades on Otunba Adeleke whom they described as a relentless advocate and promoter of Yoruba culture and tradition through the HRM (His Royal Majesty) Heritage Forum which Adeleke co-founded and manage with his friend, Otunba Oladipupo Muyiwa, Former Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly and former commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in the State.
The installation ceremonies which took place on September 1 kicked off with various traditional rites, cultural displays and ceremonial prayers.
This was later followed by the official decoration and proclamation by the host monarch, Oba Makinde who coincidentally marked his 17th year coronation anniversary on the same day with scores of chiefs and Baales from neighbouring communities using the occasion to pay homage to the octogenarian monarch who was in high spirit throughout the occasion.
Traditional rulers who took turns to commend Otunba Adeleke at the programme unanimously affirmed him as smart, brilliant, visionary, sociable, a bridge builder and worthy recipient of the honour. They also applauded the host monarch for his selflessness and congratulated him on his 17 years anniversary.
During his proclamation, The Onigbein of Igbein, Oba Makinde said Adeleke deserves the title and honour because of his selfless contributions to promoting cultural heritage in Yoruba land and fostering peace and unity among traditional rulers, having gathered and connected over 700 monarchs internationally through the HRM Heritage Forum.
“Rufai deserves this honour because he has worked well and hard for the development of the community and royalty institutions. This gesture is our way of encouraging him and motivation for him to never relent in his good works. He works closely with us, relates and coordinates thing well and we are very proud of his efforts and contributions. I am indeed very happy with him.” he added.
HRM Oba Dr Adeyanju Akanni Wasiu Olu-Owode Onitetiku Otta who is the Director-General/Executive Secretary HRM Heritage Forum described Rufai as a worthy ambassador for the Yoruba people and humanity, adding that “the honour which is well deserved will encourage him to do more for humanity through promotion of cultural heritage and initiatives.”
High Chief Ifalola Onibode, The Oluwo N’la Ifa Agbekoya Farmers Association of Nigeria and Chairman Lagos State Chapter of Agbekoya Farmers Association of Nigeria said he was very excited to celebrate with Otunba Rufai because of his numerous contributions to culture.
HRM Oba Razak Adebola Adisa, The Akeran Onimoba of Moba Kingdom, Ojo local government, Lagos State said Oba Makinde is a rare monarch who has left a great legacy for the community and other monarchs. He is blessed and has used his sweat to bless the town. He also described Rufai as a great blessing to the comity of traditional rulers in Nigeria who has united many kings who hitherto had no relationships.
In his own remarks, Oba Nojimdeen Alani Aromaye, Oniro of Iro town, Obafemi Owode Local Government Ogun State revealed that he was a foundation member with Otunba Adeleke during the early days of Heritage forum.
He noted that he was instrumental to the honour done to Otunba Rufai for his great service to humanity and he will be marking his 7 years anniversary on a 400-year old ancient throne later this month.
The head and representative of the celebrant’s family, Kola Ogunbanjo said it was an historic day for the Lukogbe waterside people of Ogun State. “God will guide to continue to use Otunba Adeleke to assist humanity and add value alongside his firends and associates especially Otunba Oladipupo Muyiwa, Former Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly and former commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in the State.”
Wife of celebrant, Chief Mrs Oluwatoyin Adekola Rufai, The Erelu Fadesewa of Igbein Land and worldwide, thanked everyone who graced the occasion, including the monarchs, chiefs, friends and well wishers.
The very elated celebrant who was very happy expressed profound gratitude to Ooni of Ife, Oba Onigbein and all monarchs who trooped out to honour him during the installation ceremony.
He said: “I thank the Arole Oodua, the Ooni of Ife for his fatherly support and attitude towards uniting Yoruba kings. His unifying roles have been remarkable and remained a great source of inspiration worthy of emulation.
Talking about his life’s trajectory and motivation, he explained: “I am from the Ogun waterside area, in a town called Lukogbe. My background is technology, including software development and social media. I have been well trained by Google and was inspired to collate and aggregate Africa’s cultural heritage and local content. I derive joy in sharing knowledge and that led to the formation of the HRM Heritage Forum with others.
“I will use my new title to further advance the cause of promoting cultural heritage and content especially through technology and easy to use apps and digital solutions.”
He also thanked all the Yoruba monarchs, including Oba Dr. Babatunde Ogunlaja. The Paramount Ruler of Odonaforija kindom and President General of the Forum. Oba Dr. Samuel Olumide Adeoye Edema. The Molokun of Atijere Land Ondo State. Our indefatigable pioneer and founding president. Oba Yusuf Adegbesan. The Sopenlukale Oke Sopen, Ijebu Igbo. Alayeluwa Oba Bola Raimi the Alarige of Arige Ibi-Ade Town, Oba Rasak Adisa Adebola Onimoba of Moba Kingdom, Oba James Olugbenga Sodiya Olumakin of Ogunmakin. Oba Babatunde Sonola Akanni , The Olu of Makogi, Oba Tanimowo Folarin. Olu Ipebi Ijebu Mushin, Oba Dr. Adewunmi Adeniji Onibudo of Ayetoro Itele. Oba Olufemi A. Martins, The Olu of Pata Abiodun, Oba KAZEEM Salami, The Osobia Makun-Omi, Alayande Alabi. Oba Ibafo. Oba Barister Adebayo Okubena, The Eleruwon of Eruwon Ijebu, Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami Ilufemiloye Oshobia of Makuun Omi Ijebu, Oba Sanuel Olukayode Sodimu, Olu of Olorunsogo, Others that join us later are Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, The Olu of Owode Egba and Oba Alani Iyiowunawi and The Oniro of Iro Land,. The Integrity Obas Forum members, Baales, Oloris, delegates from Ogunwaterside, The Agbekoya Farmers Association, government agencies and Igbein Baales, Onigbein-in-council, Rt hon. Muyiwa Oladipo and co-founder Heritage Forum, Engr. Biola Ajibola, Kudakin Oluwaseyi, all media team, bloggers and many who sent in their messages in cash and kind.
