—— Calls For Oneness, love and Dialogue
Ire Ekiti witnessed unprecedented converge of friends, well wishers, sons and daughters of Ire on friday, February 27th, as Onire of Ire Ekiti, Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade, Okeoro 11 celebrated his 20th coronation anniversary amidst glitz and glamour as the paramount ruler of the ancient town.
The epoch making event signified two meritorious decades of selfless service to the community since the monarch ascended the throne of his forebears in December 2005, and also, provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable transformations recorded under his reign.
In his speech , the highly spirited monarch described the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, unity, cultural heritage and purposeful leadership.
According to him, the peace, stability and development witnessed in Ire-Ekiti over the last 20 years were products of collective effort, sustained cooperation and the unwavering support of indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
“Over these 20 years, we have witnessed remarkable progress socially, economically and institutionally through deliberate partnerships with government, the organised private sector, key stakeholders and our vibrant diaspora community,” the monarch said.
According to the royal father, “two decades ago, when destiny and tradition placed upon my shoulders the sacred responsibility of serving as custodian of our culture and guardian of our people, I accepted the priceless honour of the throne in December 2005.
“I did so with a solemn pledge to uphold the dignity of our heritage, preserve the unity of the good people of Iremogun, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our kingdom.
“Today, with profound gratitude to Almighty God and deep humility in my heart, I stand before you as we commemorate twenty impactful years since I ascended the revered throne of my forefathers as the Onire of Ire-Ekiti.
“This 20th Coronation Anniversary is not merely a celebration of time; it is a celebration of resilience, unity, heritage, and purposeful leadership”, Oba Bobade stated.
While charging the newly installed chiefs to be productive and demonstrate good leadership quality, the traditional ruler maintained that one of the defining features of the anniversary was the installation of new chiefs into the Traditional Council of his kingdom.
“Let it be clearly understood that chieftaincy is not merely an ornament of prestige, but a covenant of service. Those installed today are entrusted with the demanding responsibility of leadership, integrity, and accountability.
“Traditional leadership in the 21st century requires wisdom anchored in history and actions guided by present realities. You must remain relevant without compromising our values and serve as custodians of unity and ambassadors of progress within your domains”, the monarch advised.
He highlighted strides recorded in security, education, youth empowerment and institutional partnerships, stressing that the traditional institution had remained a stabilising force and a bridge between cultural heritage and modern governance.
Oba Bobade emphasised the importance of unity among the six quarters of the kingdom, Iyeni, Odo, Keleju, Egbe, Iniyein and the newly created Surulere, urging residents to resolve differences through dialogue and shun sectional interests.
The royal father highlighted notable achievements recorded during his reign, including the elevation of the Ogun Onire Festival to international recognition by UNESCO, a milestone that has helped project Ire-Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage to the global stage.
In the area of infrastructure, the monarch listed the reactivation of the Ire-Ekiti Burnt Bricks Factory, the construction of a standard police station and a customary court by the community, both handed over to the Ekiti State Government, as well as the completion of the Ire Civic Centre.
On education, Oba Bobade noted that Ire-Ekiti now boasts 11 public primary schools, six private primary schools, two public secondary schools and two private secondary schools. He also disclosed that the town hosts a satellite campus of Federal University of Oye‑Ekiti, with a fast-growing Mass Communication Department, among others.
The monarch urged indigenes, both at home and abroad, to remain steadfast in supporting the town’s development and to continue being worthy ambassadors of Ire-Ekiti wherever they find themselves.
A major highlight of the celebration was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on eminent personalities, both indigenes and non-indigenes, who have distinguished themselves in their careers and contributed to community development.
Among those honoured were: Chief Femi Osasuyi and his wife, who were installed as Aare Bobatolu and Yeye Aare Bobatolu of Ire-Ekiti; Engineer Ademola Sunday and Mrs Roseline Kemi Sunday as Baba Akorede and Yeye Akorede; and Dr Ladi Oluseyi Abiodun as the Eye Ewa of Ire-Ekiti.
Others included Mr Abe Olufemi and Mrs Abe Adenike Folasade as Bobameto and Yeye Bobameto; Captain (Dr) Giorgio Enrico Del Celo as Atayese of Ire-Ekiti; Chief Benjamin Oke Omoniyi as Otunba Atewogboye; Otunba Ladi Owolabi as Atuase; and Otunba Stephen Ojo and his wife as Bobajiro and Yeye Bobajiro of Ire-Ekiti.
The colourful ceremony also showcased the unity and cultural vibrancy of the town, as indigenes from the six quarters turned out in colourful traditional attires to pay homage to their monarch. Non-indigenes were not left out, as they also thronged the venue to felicitate with the Onire.
In a show of royal solidarity, no fewer than 50 traditional rulers from across Ekiti State attended the celebration, showing the respect and goodwill Oba Bobade enjoys among his peers.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Barrister Tayo Adeleye, in his welcome address, congratulated the monarch and described his reign as a genuine call to service.
He said, “It is evident that kingship, to our Kabiyesi, is not merely about royalty, but purposeful leadership and protection of our cherished culture,”
The President of the Ire Development Union, Eng. Ayodeji Abe in his goodwill message lauded the Planning Committee for a great execution of the event and congratulated those who received chieftaincy titles, charging them to use their position to the betterment of the community.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, also lauded the monarch, saying Oba Bobade had continued to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.
Urging indigenes to support initiatives aimed at growing the historic town, Daramola said, “The turnout today shows that he is a very popular, acceptable and relatable king. We are delighted to have him at this time,”
Among those honoured was Chief Femi Osasuyi, conferred with the title of Aare Bobatolu of Ire-Ekiti, who described his elevation as a rare privilege and pledged continued service to the community.
He praised the monarch as “a father with a big heart” and wished him more fruitful years on the throne.
Similarly, Gbenga Agbaje, installed as Bamofin of Ire-Ekiti, expressed delight at being honoured by his hometown and promised to contribute meaningfully to its development.
The event, which featured cultural displays and traditional rites, brought together indigenes and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond, underscoring the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in community development.
The colourful ceremony drew an array of dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi who was represented by the Kinihun Onile Oodua of Yoruba Land, Otunba Stephen Ajose; other royal fathers; prominent politicians; community leaders; and sons and daughters of Ire-Ekiti from home and in the diaspora.
Some other Dignitaries present include, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; Sen. Babafemi Ojudu; Gubernatorial Candidate of the ADC, Mr Dare Bejide; Chairperson Oye Local Government, Mrs. Bamisile Adesola and Peter Ayilaran.
