NEW TRADITIONAL RULER OF APOMU GETS STAFF OF OFFiCE
The New Traditional Ruler of Apomu town located in Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi (Atoyebi II) was on Friday officially crowned and received staff of office in the ancient town.
Penpushing reports that, at the colourful ceremony held in the town,the monarch took the staff of office from the Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Wole Oyebamiji, subsequently crowned as the new Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom by the , Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The Ooni who is the Permanent Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs while crowning Afolabi as the new royal father of the ancient town, described Apomu as a very important part of Yorubaland with Ile-Ife as its source.
“Congratulations to all my children of this ancient town of Apomu. This town remains a very important part of the Oduduwa territory not only because its a direct creation of Ife-Ife but also for the strategic roles Apomu had played in the past in Yorubaland. That’s why Alaafin is here, Olofa is here, Akinrun is here, Oluwo is here and several monarchs.” Ooni said
The Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) eulogized the newly coronated Alapomu as a well-educated fine gentleman and as an embodiment of Oodua cultural values who is readily competent to take Apomu to greater heights.
Penpushing further reports that, the new traditional ruler who stunned the cheering crowd with his iconic dress which is synonymous to that of the Ooni, described himself as a direct descendant of the Giesi ruling house of Ile-Ife.
“Some people might wonder about my style of dressing here today, it is deliberate to show my root as my father came from Ile Ife to settle down in Apomu many centuries ago. I am from Gbegbaje branch of Giesi ruling house in Ife, my great uncle was the 40th Ooni of Ife who reigned between 1823 to 1835.” Adenekan noted.
The Governor while presenting the staff of office to the new monarch congratulated the people of the ancient town over the successful appointment of the monarch which he described as a round peg in a round hole. The ceremony was also made colourful with cultural displays by series of traditional performers.
The Governor expressed confidence on the monarch, noting that the town will experience tremendous development during his reign,and alsocharged the new traditional ruler to always place the interest of his people as the priority of his reign.
Penpushing also reports that, other notable dignitaries at the event include: Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Olofa Ofa, Oluwo of Iwo, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Akire of Ikire and Olukoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, as well as members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, (GOCOP), led by their President, Dotun Oladipo among others .
Meanwhile, Apomu is a town founded by Olaarode; a crown Prince from Gbegba Aje Royal dynasty in Ile Ife who left Ife after he contested to become the Ooni but lost. As enshrined in the Yoruba tradition in those days, Olaarode left Ife for his brother to console himself.
