It was jubilation in the commercial community of Odo-Nla, Lagos, as the committee on the selection of a new Oba formally presented the name of its Oba-elect, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, The Fuwugbade of Odo Nla(Oyeneru Agbaku I) to the elders, youths and other indigenes, at the Townhall last Thursday.
Head of the committee, Otunba (Asiwaju) David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, AIWM, DCOI,(Omo Oba Meta Odo Nla) the Olotu(Head) of Odeyemi Ofiran Royal Family who led other members to the community, narrated how the committee arrived at the choice of Prince Olowolekomoh. The gathering unanimously accepted the candidature of Olowolekomoh and the brief ceremony ended in merriment.
Meanwhile, the Oba-elect, in his New Year message titled ‘Peace As Bedrock Of Development’, released to the media, said no society can make any meaningful progress without peace.
Prince Olowolekomoh emerged the Oba elect of Odo-Nla town in December among other five contestants to the ancient throne of Odo-Nla. Six candidates, Princes Kazeem Benson, Olusoji Daudu, Adesegun Ogunkoya, Ademoritan Adeyemi, Adewale Balogun from the Ogbodo and Raselu ruling houses contested for the royal crown as revealed by Otunba Ekiyoyo.
The Oba-elect was confident that both the Lagos State and federal government were capable of tackling insecurity challenges in the state and across the country. “I am of the firm belief that the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu and president Muhammadu Buhari are poised to tackle the insecurity challenges we are facing in the state and across the country at the moment. We cannot pretend that the nation is presently plagued with a lot of challenges, chief among them is insecurity, but we all can also see that there is a concerted effort by both the states and federal governments to end the insecurity problem we are faced with, this year.”
The royal father said, he was optimistic that our armed forces will totally decimate bandits and Boko Haram terrorists as well as other violent criminals disturbing the peace of the country and her citizens. “It gladden my heart anytime I hear of the successes being recorded by our security operatives against bandits, Boko Haram and kidnappers, and I pray for our armed forces daily because they lay down their lives for us to sleep at night. And on the part of government, I pray that it continues to give them the necessary support required to make the Nigerian nation a peaceful one because without peace, no society can achieve any meaningful development. Peace is the bedrock of development”.
He prayed for peace and development in Odo-Nla kingdom and Nigeria at large. “My reign will pursue peace and development. So, this New Year, I pray for peace in our land. I pray for prosperity for the people of Odo-Nla and Nigerians, and above all, I call on all Nigerians to embrace peace even as we love one another.”
The Oba-elect was excited about the restoration of the Obaship stool of Odo-Nla which he described as the “actualisation of the yearnings of our royal family and the entire indigenes of Odo-Nla kingdom in the re-instatement and restoration of the Obaship stool to the community after decades of trials and attempts. I find it pertinent to also acknowledge and appreciate the unique and special support and goodwill gesture of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs with particular reference to the entire staffs and office of the Lagos State governor in the person of his Excellency; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu whose approval and ratification cannot be overstated.
“The re-instatement exercise and the attendant rigours could not have been easily overcome without the full encouragements and support of our paramount rulers and royal fathers in the entities of his Royal Highness, Oba Sikiru Adetona (The Awujale of Ijebu Ode) and Oba Engr. Abdul-Kabir Adewale Shotobi – Adegorushen V (The Ayangburen of Ikorodu) respectively and other important royal dignitaries and stakeholders alike. It’s my commitment to work fervently in synergy and cooperation with my local government area functionaries and the entire cabinet members and staffs of Lagos State in harmonising the growth and developmental planning set out for Odo-Nla kingdom for our mutual benefits.”
Olowolekomoh paid obeisance to his royal ancestor, Oba Odeyemi Ofiran I, whose throne he has ascended. “Today represents a remarkable step forward in re-setting the milestone that was firmly established by our long gone but not forgotten royal ancestor in the esteemed royal personage of Oba Odeyemi Ofiran l, the Fuwagbade I of Odo-Nla dynasty.
By the infinite mercy, grace and guidance of Almighty God, I reiterate my commitment to lead in the frontline and synergise with all home and abroad in fulfilling the aspirations of our people for a rapid urbanised social, economic and industrialised Odo-Nla kingdom and community that will be a positive reference among equals in our immediate environment to the pride of you all.”
