In an historic cultural display of royalty, heritage and rich Igbomina cultural values, the town of Oko-Irese came alive on Saturday as traditional rulers, political elites, and academics gathered to celebrate the 20th Coronation Anniversary of their monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba Victor Oluwafemi Olawuyi (JP), Adogunnibo I, the Oloko of Oko-Irese.
The major highlight of the colourful ceremony was the installation of Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun, the North Central Representative on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Board and Chairman ENACT Foundation, as the Aare Atadese of Oko-Irese Land.
Engr. Balogun, a renowned global Engineer and Community Development Champion from Esie in Irepodun LGA, was honoured in recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities, his passion for human development, and his significant contributions to the growth of Kwara South and the state as a whole.
The Oloko of Oko-Irese, Oba Oluwafemi Olawuyi, commended Engr. Balogun’s dedication to community growth and educational advancement, stating that the ceremony reflected the deep-rooted traditions and pride of the Igbomina people.
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Barr. Ismail Atoloye Alebiosu, a first-class monarch, offered royal prayers for the honouree, charging him not to relent in his service to humanity.
The ceremony drew high-profile attendance from across the country. Notable figures present included; Sheikh Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin (representing the Emir of Ilorin), Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Traditional rulers, including the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, the Elesie of Esie, Oba Yakubu Babalola Egunjobi II, and the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti Olomu Efon II.
Represented by a powerful delegation delegation of ENACT officials led by Hon Adebayo Jimoh Alao, a former Chairman of Oyun Local Government, while receiving the investiture insignias from the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo on Balogun’s behalf, Hon. Alao conveyed that the chieftaincy title was an immense recognition that would spur the TETFUND board member to increase his dedication to progress.
Alao seized the medium to appreciate His Royal Highness, the Oloko of Oko-Irese, for finding Engr Nurudeen worthy of the prominent chieftaincy title.
“I assure the good people of Kwara South and humanity at large that the honour will further inspire us to do more in service to our people and to humanity” He added.
Alao later presented the insignias to the Elesie of Esie for domestic royal blessings.
In addition to Engr. Balogun, other prominent Nigerians honoured with chieftaincy titles included Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Atunlushe of Oko-Irese), Hon Olushola Odetundun Member representing Irepodun Local Government Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly as the Otunba Asofin of Oko Irese Land, among others.
