By Saeed Tijjani
His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, has been officially crowned with the Ade Ibile, confirming his authenticity as the New Oloro of Oro Kingdom during the Oloro of Oro Kingdom coronation ceremony.
The event, which took place at the Oro Grammar School in Irepodun Local Government Area witnessed a mammoth crowd of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and well-wishers from far and wide.
Prominent among the dignitaries were the Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan; Olupo of Ajase IPO, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu; Representative of Kwara Central Senator, Senator Saliu Mustapha; Esa of Oro Kingdom, High Chief Otunba Taiye; and Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-ero Federal Constituency.
In his remarks, Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte representing the Governor of Kwara State congratulated the new Monarch, saying; “I congratulate Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II on his ascension to the throne and I urge you to lead with integrity, fairness, and compassion.
“Your Royal Highness, as you ascend to the throne of your forefathers, you have been entrusted with a sacred responsibility to lead the good people of Oro Kingdom with integrity, fairness, and compassion,” said the Governor.
“I want to urge you to see this appointment as a call to service that will protect and preserve our collective heritage and culture.”
He added that the government would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the community’s progress and development.
On his part, Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan, Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, praised the new monarch, saying; “Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II is a man of great wisdom and integrity. I have no doubt that he will lead our kingdom to greater heights.”
HRM Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase IPO, also congratulated the new Oloro, saying: “This is a momentous occasion for the people of Oro Kingdom. I pray that Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II will have a peaceful and prosperous reign.”
In his speech, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II thanked the dignitaries for attending the ceremony and promised a peaceful and developmental reign.
“I am honored and humbled by the presence of our esteemed guests,” said Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II. “Alongside the Oro Kingdom council of Chiefs, we’ll work for the progress and development of our kingdom, while maintaining peace and harmony among our people.”
9japarrot reports that the coronation ceremony was attended by hundreds of people from Oro Kingdom and beyond, and was marked by traditional music, dance, and other cultural performances.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the Ade Ibile to Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, which was done by the Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom, Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan alongside the council of Chiefs.
The ceremony was also attended by members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and other top government functionaries.
In a chat with newsmen, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of NICO who represented the Deputy Governor of Kwara State at the event described the coronation ceremony as a significant event in the history of Oro Kingdom.
He added that the Kwara State Government is committed to supporting development and progress in the Kingdom while charging the new monarch to prioritize the well-being of his people.
High Chief Otunba Taiye, Esa of Oro Kingdom, in his goodwill message, said: “Today marks a new beginning for our great kingdom. I urge our new monarch to prioritize the welfare and development of our people.”
“We must work together to build a prosperous and peaceful kingdom for ourselves and future generations.” He added.
Also in attendance were traditional leaders from neighboring Kingdoms, Religious Leaders, among others.
