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 A new chapter has been officially un­veiled in the history of Ogba Kingdom as His Royal Majesty, Oba Latif Oladimeji Egbeyemi, Madari­kan 1, celebrated his first an­niversary on the throne with a landmark event. On Saturday, September 13, 2024, the palace was a vibrant scene of tradi­tion and forward-thinking leadership as the Ologba in­stalled 10 prominent sons and stakeholders of the thriving community with traditional and ceremonial chieftaincy titles.

The installations were a clear statement of purpose, de­signed to fortify the kingdom’s administrative structure. No­table among the new chiefs were Chief Akeem Osho Anifowose as Balogun; Chief Abayomi Olujimi Faniyi; a re­tired Assistant Commission­er of Police, as Ekerin; Chief Balogun Ayinde, Apesin; and Chief Samuel Osuporu as Bobagunwa. Chief Dim Paul Uchechukwu alongside his wife, Chizoba, were equally ap­pointed as Bobajiro and Yeye Bobajiro of Ogba Kingdom. The inclusion of a non-indi­gene in a key leadership role was a major talking point and a testament to the Oba’s inclu­sive vision.

On the sidelines of the event, His Royal Majesty shed light on the significance of the day and his immediate plans for the kingdom. The installa­tions, he explained, were far more than a ceremonial act.

“It is the celebration of my one year in office, and it is be­ing marked with the installa­tion of chiefs, who are all going to assist me in the day-to-day administration of Ogba King­dom,” the Ologba stated. He further revealed that some of the positions were created to fill gaps that arose during the “over 10-year interregnum” before his ascension.

The Oba spoke with par­ticular pride about the ap­pointment of Chief Dim Paul Uchechukwu. “He has been very useful to the kingdom, even before I became the Ologba,” the monarch noted, highlighting Uchechukwu’s construction company and the employment it has provided for many of the community’s youths. “I’ve been having con­versations with them and I see their potentials… I believe he is worthy of that title.”

The celebration was not just a look back on a success­ful first year, but a powerful glimpse into the future. The Ologba’s final message to his people left no room for ambigu­ity. “My message is clear: from this moment, there is not going to be any doubt as to the direc­tion this kingdom is headed— forward.” He announced plans to host an economic summit in the coming weeks, signaling a new, proactive approach to leadership. The event was at­tended by neighboring royal fathers and local government officials, all of whom joined in celebrating a monarch whose vision promises to bring pros­perity and progress to his people.