By Alabi Quadri
The Olujado of Ijado in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Alh. Ahmed Oyetunde Adegbile, Omolegbe I, clocks 20 years on the throne of his forebears on September 22, 2020.
The occasion is remarkable in the life of the Kabiyesi, Olujado descendants worldwide and Ijado community because, the Olujado of Ijado's throne and Ijado town witnessed tremendous transformation in the last twenty years. As a matter of fact the occasion calls for celebration, but the unfortunate pandemic affecting the world and thereby stifled any plan for celebration.
Be that at is may, the unfortunate pandemic should not stop one from paying the deserved tribute to kabieyesi for reviving the lost glory of his forebears. It is remarkable that Olujado's throne, which was one of the ancient and renowned in the pre-colonial Yorubaland. Ijado town, which was one among major towns in Ibolo province of the old Oyo Empire headed by Aresa.
The misfortune of the Olujado throne began during the Fulani Jihadist war and colonial era, when British colonial administration gave no recognition to the throne. Perhaps, the little recognition accorded the throne by post-colonial era when the customary Court was constituted in the area; Oloko, Olujado, Olola in present Ejigbo Local government area of Osun state, Oluware and Aro as the judges in customary court "Grade C". In spite of that, the throne remained a shadow of its old self.
However, the fortune of the throne and that of Ijado town changed for better with the ascension of Oba Ahmed in 2000. Oba Ahmed has a professional qualifications of Royal Society of Arts R.S.A, International Certificate of A.I.A, International and Advance Book-Keeping. In addition to the above, before he was crowned as a king he was a contractor, a politician, farmer and community leader
Oba Adegbile had an experience-packed pre-coronation working life. He had worked in some private companies in Lagos as a stock keepers, assistant accountant, projects supervisor to mention a few. He later crowned the successful working life with establishment of his own constructions company "Opulent Constructions Company".
His sound education and accumulated corporate experience were brought into the realm of traditional administration and this can said to be contributory factor for the success of Oba Oyetunde Adegbile as a monarch. This success is evident in transforming of an ancient, but comatose throne to an enviable one, and a village to a within the spate of twenty years.
Today, Olujado throne has returned to his enviable position as a second class monarch in Yorubaland, with all paraphernalia of a second class monarch, a permanent member of Surulere Local Government traditional council of Obas and Chiefs. It should be noted that the confirmation of Olujado as a Second class Oba was achieved consequent upon the recommendations of Oyo state chieftaincy laws, Oyo state government and Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In addition, Olujado is now on the path of the recovery of its old glory. The town enjoyed among other amenities supply, a filling station, health centre, private secondary and nurseries schools, electrification of the community, to mention a few. All aforementioned are at the instance of the Olujado of Ijado, Oba Ahmed Oyetunde Adegbile, and was not achieved on the platter of gold; it costs the Kabiyesi personal resources, inconveniences and trauma.
As a silent achiever and a devoted Muslim he has been recognised with numerous awards by government, NGOs and religions movement.
The custodian of culture, traditional ruler, religious per excellent, peacemaker and silent achiever.
Long live Oba Alh. Ahmed Oyetunde Adegbile, Omolegbe I. Olujado of Ijado
Comments
Post a Comment