The newly Bashorun of Orile-Imo Community in Obafemi Owode local government of Ogun State, Hon. Amb. Adekunle Ajayi Abdullateef, has urged the community to fully embrace and uphold its rich cultural heritage, saying that these invaluable traditions are not mere relics of the past but essential pillars for the community’s future growth, identity, and unity.
He made this known today during his grand installation ceremony as the Bashorun of the community which was conferred upon him by His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluwambe Mofolorunsho Reuben Sogaolu, the Olú of Orile-Imo Kingdom.
Adekunle who is also a Councilor in the community highlighted the critical role of traditional institutions in navigating contemporary challenges while preserving the unique spirit and legacy of the Orile-Imo people, setting a clear agenda for his tenure.
According to him “Our cultural heritage is the bedrock of our identity and the blueprint for our future, therefore “It is our collective responsibility to not only preserve these invaluable traditions through documentation and storytelling but also to actively participate in their practice, ensuring they are vibrantly lived and authentically passed down to every succeeding generation, thereby solidifying who we are as a people.”
He therefore urged community members on needs to focus on engaging the youth, to immerse themselves in traditional festivals, participate in ancient ceremonies, and engage with ancestral storytelling.
The event was graced by prominent royal fathers which included, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola Bakre, the Olu of Owode Egba, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, The Olu of Siun. OBA Lawrence Odeyinka amongst others traditional rulers.
Other dignitaries at the event were, the Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Hon. Adesina Ogunsola, Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Hon. Mustafa Eruobodo, former transition chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government; Hon. Wole Adesiji, Former Commissioner; Hon. Nike Osoba; Hon. Dele Eresion; Hon. Dapo Oladipupo; Bashorun Olawunmi Jejeloye; and Hon. Maliki Soneye, among many other distinguished personalities.
