Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
He emphasized that preserving cultural traditions and values is crucial for the progress and development of Osun State.
The governor made this known on Tuesday during the official presentation of the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Akintola Imran Ayodeji Akintulurese Ilufemiloye I, the newly installed 21st Alua of Erin Oke Ijesa Kingdom in Oriade Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Dosu Babatunde, Governor Adeleke urged traditional rulers to support his administration and play active roles in preserving the traditional institution.
Addressing the newly installed monarch, the governor advised him to embrace his role as the father of all citizens of Erin Oke, both at home and abroad saying the time has come to focus on administering the affairs of the community.
The governor urged Oba Akintola to unite the people, foster peace, and work towards the development of Erin Oke, Oriade Local Government, and Osun State at large.
Governor Adeleke who called on the people of Erin Oke to live in harmony with their neighbors and contribute to the overall growth of the state stressed that government expects every community to support its developmental agenda, ensuring peace and progress across Osun State.
In his acceptance speech, the Alua of Erin Oke, Oba Akintola Imran Ayodeji, Akintulurese Ilufemiloye I, expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God and appreciation to the notable dignitaries who graced the occasion just as he pledged to dedicate his reign to the unity and development of the town.
Oba Akintola, while highlighting the progress Erin Oke has made through various government interventions, appealed for additional support in key areas, including the renovation and staffing of Erin Oke’s three primary schools and one secondary school, the tarring of township roads, and the completion of the Erin Oke-Akola-Iperindo road, which connects the community to important agricultural farmlands.
He also emphasized the need for additional infrastructure projects to improve the town’s economy and enhance the welfare of its people.
The traditional ruler commended Erin Oke’s sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, for their contributions to the town’s development.
He highlighted key projects, such as a ₦12 million renovation of a six-classroom block in Irepodun High School and a ₦5 million investment in a new transformer for the community.
He also acknowledged the contributions of notable philanthropist Mr. Abiodun Ponnle, who donated five boreholes in memory of his late mother, Engr. Mrs. Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi for providing a transformer, and Hon. Oluwole Oke for supporting the construction of the town’s new palace, which is nearing completion.
Oba Akintola reaffirmed his commitment to serving Erin Oke, promising to foster unity, development, and economic growth even as he urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to extend more developmental projects to rural communities, ensuring that no area is left behind.
Also Speaking, the Chairman of the Erin-Oke Development Association (EDA), Alhaji Bisiriyu Osunsusi Idowu, expressed deep appreciation to everyone including the Omo-Owa for their efforts in ensuring the success of the coronation.
He acknowledged the contributions of various groups, including the Elegbejegbes, Olori-Ojogbon, Isogan, artisans, farmers, traders, and visitors, whose loyalty and support have been invaluable to the community.
Alhaji Idowu emphasized the importance of unity among the people of Oketafa, urging all Erin-Oke indigenes, both at home and abroad, to rally behind the new monarch.
He highlighted that the stool of Alua is highly respected across Osun State and Yorubaland, making it imperative for the people to work together in support of Oba Akintola Imran Ayodeji’s vision for progress and development.
“We have a great king who is committed to elevating Erin-Oke,” he said. “However, his success depends on the collective efforts of the people. No single tree can make a forest. By uniting and contributing our resources, we can build a stronger community.”
He further noted that Erin-Oke is home to prominent sons and daughters worldwide, individuals with great influence and resources saying the new monarch is expected to engage with them to create a roadmap for the town’s development.
As the community looks forward to a new era under the leadership of Oba Akintola Imran Ayodeji, Alhaji Idowu called for continued cooperation among all generations stressing that collaboration and mutual support are crucial for Erin-Oke to claim its rightful place among leading towns in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
He said “With love, unity, and reverence for God, there is nothing we cannot achieve,”. “Just as sticks in a bundle are unbreakable, we must stand together to build a future that honors our heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth.”
In his Remarks, The Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Prince (Dr.) Albert Olurotimi Osunmakinde, expressed deep appreciation for the successful execution of the event, describing it as a rare privilege .
Reflecting on the journey, he acknowledged the challenges encountered during the planning process, including geographical barriers and generational differences, particularly among the youth spread across various parts of the world. Despite these obstacles, he noted that the committee remained determined to deliver the best possible outcome within the available resources.
“We took on the challenge with dedication, and by the grace of God, we were able to overcome the difficulties. What once seemed like hurdles eventually became stepping stones to innovation,” he said.
Dr Osunmakinde emphasized the collaborative efforts of the committee, which was divided into different groups based on their locations. Despite the distance, he noted that their teamwork resulted in a well-organized and successful event.
He attributed the overall success to divine intervention and extended his heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who played vital roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the coronation.”To everyone whose dedication and hard work powered this committee’s achievements, I say thank you. Your contributions have been invaluable,” he said.
Highly committed.His great grandfather Ogunjembola contributed greatly to development of Erin Oke.We have assurance that he is going to perform excellently.We have started seeing the new development. Oja Olorunda at Express every Tuesday the only market within ijesha land where you can get all food stuff at cheaper rate. Erin Oke Deko.True…True.
HRM OBA AKINTOLA IMRAN AYODEJI…we have assurance that he is going to perform excellently because of his background.His great grandfather Ogunjembola was a warrior who stood by his community during war.we have started seeing good things happening.. Olorunda market at Express Erin Oke is the only market within ijesha land where you can get all food stuff at cheaper rate.You can try it come to Erin Oke at Olorunda market every Tuesday to buy food stuff and other things as Hausa community coming from Northern part of the country have no other route to IBADAN, Lagos, Abeokuta than Erin Oke they must definitely pass through Erin Oke. They have started dropping part of their market at Erin Oke and making higher profit…No intermediary,no Agbero and no taskforce collecting any levy from them.Erin Oke Deko… Erin Oke has become Lagos. Akintola Dhikrilahi