There was widespread jubilation in Itabo, Lanlate, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the ancient community officially welcomed a new traditional ruler following the ascension of His Royal Highness, Oba Prince Bayonle Oyedokun Kehinde, to the revered throne of the Onitabo of Itabo.
The historic development ended a 13-year vacancy on the throne, which had remained unoccupied since the demise of the last monarch, ushering in a new era of traditional leadership and renewed hope for the people of Itabo.
Oba Kehinde’s emergence marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the town, whose royal seat had been vacant since the passing of Oba (Dr.) Eyinloye Amori Afolabi on November 28, 2014.
The prolonged succession process had generated keen interest among indigenes and stakeholders, who had consistently expressed hope for the emergence of a substantive traditional ruler to provide leadership for the community.
Oba Bayonle Oyedokun Kehinde, who hails from the Agan Ruling House, emerged through the traditional selection process conducted in line with the 1957 Onitabo Chieftaincy Declaration, which provides for the rotational succession between the Ogun and Agan ruling houses.
With the late monarch having come from the Ogun Ruling House, the Agan Ruling House became entitled to produce the next Onitabo. (Naija2hrs News)
The new monarch is from the Ibitoye Oyekanmi lineage, one of the recognised lineages within the Agan Ruling House.
His emergence followed the nomination of eligible princes and the voting exercise conducted by the accredited kingmakers in the presence of government officials and security agencies, ensuring transparency and adherence to established traditional procedures.
The selection process attracted considerable attention from members of the community and beyond, reflecting the significance of the Onitabo stool to the cultural and traditional heritage of Itabo.
The selection process attracted considerable attention from members of the community and beyond, reflecting the significance of the Onitabo stool to the cultural and traditional heritage of Itabo.
Officials of the local government, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as other stakeholders, monitored the exercise that eventually produced the new monarch.
The installation of Oba Bayonle Kehinde has been warmly received by sons and daughters of Itabo at home and in the diaspora, many of whom described the development as the dawn of a new era of peace, unity and accelerated development for the ancient community.
As the custodian of the customs and traditions of Itabo, the new Onitabo is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting communal harmony, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the town, mediating conflicts, and partnering with government and development organisations to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.
Community leaders have expressed confidence that the monarch’s reign will strengthen unity among the people, inspire youth development, attract meaningful investments and facilitate infrastructural growth across Itabo and neighbouring communities within Ibarapa East Local Government.
Traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in grassroots governance and community development across Oyo State, serving as custodians of history, promoters of peace and advocates of cultural values.
The installation of Oba Bayonle Kehinde has been warmly received by sons and daughters of Itabo at home and in the diaspora, many of whom described the development as the dawn of a new era of peace, unity and accelerated development for the ancient community.
As the custodian of the customs and traditions of Itabo, the new Onitabo is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting communal harmony, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the town, mediating conflicts, and partnering with government and development organisations to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.
Community leaders have expressed confidence that the monarch’s reign will strengthen unity among the people, inspire youth development, attract meaningful investments and facilitate infrastructural growth across Itabo and neighbouring communities within Ibarapa East Local Government.
Traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in grassroots governance and community development across Oyo State, serving as custodians of history, promoters of peace and advocates of cultural values.
Expectations are therefore high that Oba Bayonle Oyedokun Kehinde will build on this legacy by fostering inclusive leadership and championing initiatives that will uplift the fortunes of the ancient town.
With the ancient throne now occupied after thirteen years, residents and well-wishers have continued to congratulate the new monarch while praying for a peaceful, prosperous and impactful reign that will leave lasting footprints in the history of Itabo.
With the ancient throne now occupied after thirteen years, residents and well-wishers have continued to congratulate the new monarch while praying for a peaceful, prosperous and impactful reign that will leave lasting footprints in the history of Itabo.
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