[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n accomplished entrepreneur, Dr. Sonny Kuku, has been officially installed as the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland at a spectacular ceremony held at the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland earlier today.
The event was graced by His Excellency, The Senator Otunba Engr Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng, along with esteemed dignitaries, including former governors of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
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The installation ceremony, presided over by HRM Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, Ogbagba II, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, showcased the rich cultural heritage and traditional values of the Ijebu people.
Others in attendance were Ogun State deputy governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, among other distinguished personalities.
The Otunba Obalofin of Ijebuland and a member of the Royal Court of Awujale, Senator Daniel, received public acknowledgment for his significant contributions during the ceremony.
The former governor was praised for his generosity in conceding the pavilion, the venue of the installation, to the palace during his tenure as the governor the state among his numerous contributions to Ijebuland.
Ogidi Omo, as he is fondly called, was also lauded for his exceptional service and appreciated for his transformative leadership.
The installation of Dr. Kuku is of immense cultural significance to Ijebuland. It is the most prestigious chieftaincy title in the Awujale administration and the highest non-hereditary title an Ijebu can aspire to. It is usually given to successful businessmen who are accomplished in their chosen career.
The first Ogbeni Oja was the late Chief Adeola Odutola, an Ijebu icon who in his lifetime was easily one of the most successful industrialists in Yorubaland. When he died, the Awujale made Otunba Bayo Kuku, the next Ogbeni Oja.
The position has been vacant since 2015 when the last occupant died.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
