It was a convergence of traditional rulers, chiefs and various echelons of the society on Iloko Ijesa, Osun State on Saturday as the state governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola presented the staff of office and instrument of authority to the new Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbange.

Presenting the staff office to the Ajagbusi Ekun the sixth, the governor tasked Oba Ogungbangbe to work with all others in the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers to further project the good image of the state as a peaceful haven providing conducive environment for investment.

Governor Oyetola said that holding a traditional title was a sacred task that usually comes with great responsibility urging the Owaloko to exercise authority without fear or favor.

In his acceptance speech, the Owaloko, Oba Ogungbangbe assured of his commitment to the realisation of the aspirations of his predecessors whom he said had laid a good foundation for the new Iloko ijesa in terms of economic and social development.

He reaffirmed his unalloyed support to the state government in the implementation of its people-oriented policies.

Earlier, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran had sued for sustenance of the unity and peace in Ìjẹ̀sà land, urging other traditional rulers in the land to rally round the Owaloko to have a peaceful reign.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in a remark, expressed joy over the crop of young and vibrant traditional rulers in Yoruba land, praying that God will bless the Owaloko with longevity of life.

Highlight of the event was conferment of the title of the Babaoba on the former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande by Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe.

Isaac Haastrup