The palace of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State witnessed a mammoth crowd on Saturday, December 16th 2023, as dignitaries, men and women stormed the town for a mother of all coronations. Former Governor of Kaduna State (2015 to 2023) His Excellency Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, his close friend Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) and his wife Hajia Maryam Lawal were all given chieftaincy titles and they did it in style by attracting top dignitaries across Nigeria.
The event took place at the palace of his royal highness Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona the Awujale of Ijebuland and members of the community were excited as they cheered their favorite dignitaries who bagged different chieftaincy titles.
City People’s Reporter, Titilope Akinbo Oshunlalu (08023380711) and Photojournalist, Femi Adeleke attended the event and here are excerpts from all that went down there, enjoy.
EL-RUFAI INSTALLED AS GBOBANIYI OF IJEBULAND
His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, stole the show by greeting the Awujale in Yoruba saying Kabiyesi ooo, kaade pe lori on his kneel. He was wearing brown aso oke mixed with fuchsia pink to match with cap. Royal fathers, clergies, politicians, governors, senators ex-President wife, friends and family were in attendance. El-Rufai is the first Nigerian outside the South West to receive a Chieftaincy title from the Awujale of Ijebuland. Speaking at the event El- Rufai appreciated the Awujale of Ijebuland. He prayed for him and his entire kingdom. Awujale is the longest reigning Kabiyesi with nearly 64 years reign. “I am excited today and I pray I and my friend Jimi Adebisi and his wife will not disappoint you”. El-Rufai said.
JIMI ADEBISI LAWAL ( JAL) THE OLOOTU IFORE AND AJIROBA OF AKILE IJEBU AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE THE YEYE LUA OF AKILE IJEBU MADE FASHION STATEMENTS
To start with, Jimi Adebisi Lawal and his beautiful wife Hajia Maryam Lawal made serious fashion statements at the event. They both showcased the beauty in culture with their stylish and beautiful dresses. Yeyelua’s first outfit was a beautiful iro and buba aso-oke designed with fuchsia pink with matching shoes and bag. Her second was a leaf green mixed with a touch of orange. One thing that was quite notable about her is that she is a very beautiful and stylish woman. She is also very fashionable too. Yeyelua of AKILE IJEBU had a lot her friends, family and loved ones around her and they supported her well during the entire process of coronation.
OLOOTU IFORE AND AJIROBA OF AKILE IJEBU
Former British trained, qualified professional banker and lawyer Jimi Adebisi Lawal was also installed as Olootu Ifore And Ajiroba Of Akile Ijebu. Jimi was seen wearing Agbada to match that of his wife and his friend El-Rufai. Speaking at the event he expressed his joy to family friends, the Awujale of Ijebuland, the clergies, politicians and everyone that were present to witness his installation. “On behalf of I and my beautiful wife the Yeyelua of AKILE IJEBU, we say thank you and journey mercies back to your various destinations.” Jimi Lawal said.
FORMER PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA’S WIFE CHIEF MRS BOLA OBASANJO WAS PRESENT
Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo was also in attendance, she appreciated Oba Dr. Sikiru Adetona and congratulated El-Rufai, Jimi Adebisi Lawal and his beautiful wife, Maryam, for their new title .
PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE, WAS
THERE TOO
The Citadel Global Community Church Pastor Tunde Bakare was one of the dignitaries at the event. He came with his beautiful wife Mrs Bakare. Speaking at the event, Pastor Bakare commended the Awujale of Ijebuland for fostering unity in the country. He said if not for Awujale’s intervention APC would have scattered when president TINUBU said he will never have anything to do with the former President Mohammed Buhari during the time of election. I put a call through to the Awujale then he was not in town but he said leave everything to me. As God will have it he came into the matter, he called a meeting and he joined APC together and their was unity. I was really happy and I doff my cap for you sir, God will continue to keep you and walk with you always in Jesus name, I knew I already have a title from the Kabiyesi already so I don’t think I need any title other than my Pastor title. As soon as I enter this palace Kabiyesi calls me our Pastor so I think I am fine, with the title of our Pastor. “He congratulated the former Governor of Kaduna State El- Rufai, the GBOBANIYI OF IJEBU, Jimi Adebisi Lawal and Hajia Maryam Lawal for their new titles and prayed God will continue to work with them. He ended his speech with prayers and thanksgiving hymnal songs.
SENATOR OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL MARKED PRESENCE
Ever smiling and handsome Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel was also in attendance. He came in while the installation was on going. He was wearing a beautiful cartoon colour velvet Agbada to match with the cap and a brown velvet like shoe.
THE NEW CHIEFS GOT CASH SPRAYED
The Owambe cannot be complete without cash spray. There was plenty of this at the event. Friends and family were spraying the new chief all over. Also seen on the stage spraying was the beautiful Olori of Oba Sikiru Adetona. It was all fun for them while the guests enjoyed a party of a lifetime in Ijebuland.
VETERAN JUJU MUSICIAN EBENEZER OBEY DIDN’T DISAPPOINT
Popular veteran juju musician Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey Fabiyi, also known as Ebenezer Obey who became popular through his unusual music style threw his fans into a frenzy on the bandstand. Trust Ebenezer to turn the stage upside down with his music.
WHO DID WHAT?
The vendors at the event did their best to satisfy their guests and their best was good enough. Spotted at the vendors stand was Qudos small chops, Karlous drinks and several others.
ROLL CALL
The event was fun-filled with the presence of all the Kabiyesis in the land of Ijebu, Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Mrs Tinuke Mohammed, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ijebu traditional council, Pastor Tunde Bakare and his beautiful wife, council of chiefs, Alhaji Lafia, Alhaji Musa Yola, Engr. Bayi Dayo, Prince Otenaike, Ologun Kuku, Barr. Mustapha, IYALODE of IJEBULAND, Iyaloja’s and Babaloja’s, Balogun Dodondawa, Chief Mrs Osibogun ( Iyalode Akile Ijebu) Rep. of Governor Dapo Abiodun Hon. Ganiu, Hon. AMB. Tunde Oladunjoye and many others.
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