ν Says, ‘God’s time truly the best’
By Kehinde Aderemi
Iwaro-Oka Akoko, a town in the Akoko area of Ondo State, came alive recently. It was the day the Owa Olusin of Owalusin, Iwaro-Oka Akoko, Oba Stephen Ogunoye (JP), finally received the staff of office as the new king of the town.
Oba Ogunoye, a retired police officer, was appointed the Owa Olusin in 2001.
But he had to wait for 24 years before he could receive the staff of office—a symbol of authority and legitimacy for the throne.
The long wait for the coveted instrument of office came to an end recently when the Ondo State governor, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, handed over the staff of office to the traditional ruler at a very elaborate event held at the town hall.
The official recognition by the state government was a fulfillment of a long-awaited dream. To celebrate the special event, the town played host to dignitaries who came from far and near to rejoice with the new king.
Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy affairs, Amidu Takuro.
The governor said the decision to support the traditional institution in the state was part of the efforts of the state government to impact the lives of the people at the grassroots.
According to the governor, there are important criteria to be met before a town is deemed fit to have a king.
Such criteria, he said, included the population of the people of the town, the history of the town, as well as the economic and political prospects of the town.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new monarch to see the new position as an opportunity to serve the people of Iwaro-Oka and its environs to ensure peace and unity in the town.
“We are here to fulfill part of our statutory roles as a government, and as we give the new monarch the staff of office, I urge Kabiyesi to use his new position to bring about progress and development to the town.”
The Olubaka of Oka Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adeleye, said he was happy that the waiting game was over.
Oba Adeleye said Iwaro-Oka had a rich history as one of the prominent towns in Oka Akoko Kingdom. Olubaka also urged the new king to dedicate himself to the unity and progress of the town.
“Immediately the proposal for the enthronement and receipt of staff of office of the Owa Olusin was sent to me, I assented to it because that is the best way to ensure growth and development in the state.
“I am delighted that our amiable governor made it possible for us to have a recognised Oba in Iwaro-Oka and I implore sons and daughters of the town to cooperate with the new king by helping him in his plans to transform the town,” Olubaka said.
Oba Ogunoye later held the staff of office in his hands as guests took turns to congratulate him at the event. Many of his kinsmen were also overjoyed as they danced to both local and traditional music.
In his acceptance speech, the new traditional ruler said despite the long wait, he was happy his dream eventually came to reality. He explained that the glory of his achievements was a true testimony of the saying that God’s time is the best.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa for standing by him and making it possible for the town to regain its lost glory.
He praised the Olubaka for playing the fatherly role in ensuring that Iwaro-Oka retains its position as one of the prominent towns in Oka Akoko Kingdom.
“To the glory of God and for service of humanity, as I ascend the throne of my forefathers officially today, I assure all sons and daughters of Iwaro-Oka that it is a new dawn.
“And for me to achieve my dreams for our town, I seek your complete cooperation and support. There is a need for unity, peace, and harmony in the town, and I want us to reinvent the cultural prowess of the town.
“I look forward to the progress and economic transformation of the town, and I will do everything within my power to improve the lives of my people by bringing development to the town.
“Let us forget the crisis of the past and begin a new vision towards reclaiming the lost glory of the town,” he said.
One of the sons of the soil, Felix Aponbiede, said 15 communities were under the Olubaka and six of these communities came together to become Iwaro-Oka town. He noted that Iwaro-Oka remains the largest among the communities.
A prominent son of the town, Mr. Olusola Omoroke, a building contractor and engineer, commended the new monarch’s style of leadership since he became king in 2001.
“The monarch’s joy was not just about the staff of office, but also about the recognition and validation it brought to his reign. It’s a vindication of his leadership and dedication to his people. It’s a special grace to be part of this history. I am sure our new king will use his wealth of experience and exposure to bring development to the town.”
Mr. Omoroke added that God has really blessed Oba Ogunoye by giving him the grace to be alive to receive the staff of office after 24 years.
The new Oba listed his requests to the governor, including upgrading of the town’s roads, providing potable water, and installing electricity.
He also requested that the status of the town’s general hospital be upgraded to a state teaching hospital with modern equipment and facilities. He also requested the establishment of a military school in the town.
The event was concluded with celebrations, as other royal fathers, families, friends, and guests of the new monarch took turns to dance and celebrate the grand occasion.