Back late Akeredolu’s security model
Afa Okeagbe installs new Olukoju in deep traditional rites.
A former Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, has stressed the need for the Yoruba race to be allowed to defend their lands against bandits and terrorists.
According to Arogbofa, the move will enable the Yorubas to properly defend their region against any invader due to their unique understanding of the terrain.
The former scribe of the foremost Yoruba group stated this during the installation of the immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State chapter, and former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bakkita Bello, as the 7th Olukoju of Odooko, Afa Okeagbe, in the Akoko North West Local Council Area of the state.
While backing the position of Arogbofa, Prof. Abiodun Akinpelu of Lagos State University, who delivered the keynote address during the coronation, expressed displeasure over the insecurity situation in Yorubaland.
Akinpelu, who charged all traditional rulers as well as other stakeholders to synergise to defend and protect the region, urged the southwest governors to emulate and build on the effort of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in nipping insecurity challenges in the bud by strengthening and adequately funding the Amotekun Corps.
The don, who spoke on the theme ‘Royalty, Defence and Protection of Oduduwa Land’, stated that it would be a great gain to start promoting indigenous language so that our culture and traditions passed down to us by our forefathers would not go into extinction.
While hailing Bello as the new Olukoju of Afa Okeagbe, Akinpelu described the development as an unprecedented period of peaceful growth and development for the people of Okeagbe.
Meanwhile, the former Speaker was installed at the weekend in the ancient community with the public reappearance of the town’s traditional sacred ‘Amgbu’ regalia, which was last seen adorning a holder of the title in 1973.
With the coronation embedded with the fusion of deep tradition, it was marked with solemn rites and colourful processions, signalling the enduring essence of traditional institutions in community cohesion and development.
While presenting the staff of office to the former Speaker, the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, who harped on the pivotal role of the Olukoju dynasty, described the title as the pillar of strength, courage and steadfastness in protecting the sacred institution of the Ajana and the community at large.
The former PDP chairman, who appreciated the Ajana-in-Council and the community, affirmed his dedication to fostering economic growth, political development, and peaceful coexistence among the people.
Senator Barrister Bode Olajumoke, who was the chairman of the occasion, hailed the choice of the new traditional leader, adding that Bello is “an embodiment of positive values of leadership,” as well as expressing confidence in his commitment to the community’s peace and advancement.
With the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Fatai Atere, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, congratulating the Afa Okeagbe Community on the choice of the new Olukoju, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Samson Akande, urged the people of Afa Okeagbe to continue to live in peace and unity for the progress of the community.
