Ogun: Gov Abiodun installs new Oba in Ipokia

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has installed Oba Adesola Olaniyan as the new Onipokia of Ipokia land.

The installation took place on Wednesday, at the Iwaye Dodo ruling house in Ipokia, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

While presenting the staff of office to the First-Class Monarch, Gov Abiodun said the installation was historic, being the first since he assumed office as the governor of Ogun State.

Abiodun, who was represented by the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuape, congratulated the new Oba on his ascension to the throne.

He charged the traditional ruler to use his new position for the development of Ipokia land, Ogun West and Ogun State in general.

Speaking, the new Oba said: “I am making a call to everyone in Ipokia land to support my reign, as nobody becomes an Oba without the divine approval of God and his people. I am convinced that the acceptance shown in me during the planning stage of this special occasion has given me the strength to push forward.

This is the time in our life where we can come together as one family, get credible representation in the State and National Government for the progress of this town.

“This could be done if we reason together, eschew bitterness amongst ourselves and speak with one voice. There is strength in unity, let us follow the part of greatness.

“I pledge to commit myself to those sacred values that will sincerely unite the people of Ipokia Land. We must stand together and as an indivisible entity.

Your Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Eminent people of Ipokia, our distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen, it is with all sense of humility and palatable joy and gratitude to God and mankind that I accept my installation today as the 46th Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, today, Wednesday, 12th August 2020.

“May Almighty God continue to be with us in this land.”

Earlier, the Caretaker Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Hon. Kabiru Abolurin, appreciated Gov Abiodun and the Commissioner for approving the appointment of the new traditional ruler.

While priding himself as a son of the soil, Abolurin noted that Ipokia indigenes are industrious and peace-loving people, thanking them for the endurance and perseverance displayed during the period leading to the selection and appointment of the Monarch.

“As I am congratulating His Royal Majesty, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Adelakun Olaniyan, the Onipokia of Ipokia, I have the belief that your reign will bring all and sundry together, including the Ipokia indigenes in the diaspora to come home and invest massively towards the development of Ipokia town and its environs.

The ancient Ipokia town is getting a new Monarch after the demise of the Late Oba Raufu Adeole on November 13, 2016.