•Details Of The Big Ceremony @ AJIRAN In ETI-OSA
The ancient town of Ajiran, Eti Osa in Lagos was on lockdown last week Thursday, as the renowned community mediator and philanthropist, Chief Nurudeen Adekunle Odofin, bagged the highly coveted Odofin title amidst cheers and encomium.
The Odofin who was installed on Friday, 25th of June, was decorated in grand style on Thursday, 01 July 2021 before the entire community members who came out en masse to show their support for the man of the people.
One thing most people don’t know about Ajiran land is that the ancient town doesn’t take any matter to court.
The community, which hosts the headquarters of one of Nigeria’s largest oil companies, Chevron Nigeria Limited, has been able to keep its internal land disputes out of court amid activities of land grabbers and the prevalent extortion of some indigenes. Not only on land cases. The traditional institution in Ajiran also mediates in other criminal cases. For the people of Ajiranland, prevention comes before settlement.
There are taboos that guide the conduct of both old and young in Ajiran. They are inherent in their culture and cannot be defiled. For example, you dare not parade a masquerade in Ajiran. No matter how combative anyone gets, such cannot break a bottle or stab anyone with an object… not even a stranger. There are punishments for deviants. While petty issues like stealing, fighting are prevailed upon by the appointed chiefs in different ranks, Yekini Bakare. Only the king has the autonomy to resolve controversies on land issues.
Chief Nurudeen Adekunle, according to the royal father of the town, HRH Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, Sateru II, the Ojomu of Ajiran land, deserved to be initiated into the Odofin title because he has been a good ambassador and inspiration to many. “He has been a mentor to many people in this community, to the youths, men and women, and he has actively taken part in many progressive projects for the development of this community. He is indeed a true Odofin-bred and should be accorded as such”, he said.
ODOFIN’S SON, PRINCE SAHEED SPEAKS ABOUT HIS FATHER
Shedding more light on who is the new Odofin, Prince Saheed Odofin is, his son spoke about him and why the people think he deserves to be the new Odofin. Chief Nurudeen while growing up was referred to as Jeje, you know when they call someone Jeje in Yorubaland, it means that he’s very calm and easy-going and doesn’t want trouble. You can never hear him fight or hold a grudge. He is always calm. This is not his first title. He was formerly Alase of Ajiranland. When the title of Odofin came and he is the next in line, they now withdrew the title of Alase from him and gave it to another person, so as to make him a substantive Odofin of Ajiranland.
ABOUT THE ODOFIN
The chief was born and brought up here in Ajiran. He had his primary school at Mayegun Community primary school. His secondary school was at Igbo Efon. He was trained as a refrigerator repairer before he ventured into trading and other businesses.
He is a philanthropist. He is also a good listener and also settles many community disputes. This is the main virtue that was considered before it was unanimously agreed that he becomes the next Odofin of Ajiranand.
THE INSTALLATION
The new Odofin was regaled in the traditional wrapper and cap. He was accompanied by two other kingmakers who stood by his side, as they walked into the palace to pay homage to the king, HRH Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, Sateru II, the Ojomu of Ajiranland, who gave his blessings and ordinance. The Odofin and his team moved from the palace with the same outfit, and walked through the streets of Ajiran, in the full glare of the people, who cheered him and prayed for him from one family house to the other. At some point, he was joined by some community members and youths and the momentum began to increase. He was ushered to the Ojubo-Esu, a sacred place of the gods of Ajiran, where he, the Ajiran, offered a session of prayers and supplication along with his people, praying for peace, good health, and prosperity for the people of Ajiranland. He was ushered back to the palace where other titled chiefs also offered their prayers for the success of his tenure as the Odofin.
Popular Socialite and a key part of Odofin’s dynasty, Princess Idowu Elegushi Garuba was also one of the key players in the settings of the event. She was seen moving from one canopy to the other to ensure that everything is in order. She made sure guests and other well-wishers were fed. Veteran music star Sule Alao Malaika was on the bandstand, to entertain guests. Esikay Generation also took another stand to serenade guests.
The event was anchored by popular OAP, MC Malian.
