…says, I intend to build on achievements of my predecessors’
By Kayode Adeoti
History was made in Omu Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Saturday as former Executive Secretary of Town Planning Development Authority (TPDA), Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti was installed the 27th Olomu.
Interestingly, the day of the installation ceremony coincided with the birthday of the new Olomu.
Speaking exclusively with this medium after his installation, the new Olomu said he never expected to be crowned the king of the community.
Olomu who attributed his ascension to God’s grace added that he will forever remain faithful to his creator for the rare opportunity to lead his people.
“I give glory to Almighty Allah, nobody ever thought the throne will come my way. It has been appreciation galore to Almighty Allah,” the monarch stated.
On his plans for the community, Oba Adeoti said he intends to build on the achievement of his predecessors.
He said, “The administration of Olomu stool is a continuum. Though it is completely different from the official setting but the major work at the palace is to see to well-being of the community and to take certain decisions.”
Earlier, the Olomu called on the state government for establishment of more institutions in the community.
The monarch, who hails from Olaelu Ijoko ruling house, said the presence of more government establishments would fast track commercial and socio-economic development of the community.
Oba Adeoti, who paid glowing tributes to his predecessors, said that their reigns brought unprecedented developments to the community.
He said that the demand for more developmental projects was informed by the high level of expansion and infrastructure development ongoing in the community.
According to him, presently, the growth pattern is beyond what can be termed as just urban centre.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that Omu Aran’s physical expansion is already engulfing its immediate adjoining settlements and turning it to what can be termed as urban conurbation.
“Omu Aran as an emerging urban centre has an approximate population of about 150,000 people and unarguably the third largest settlement in Kwara State.
“Omu Aran has a threshold population that can support the provision of specialised services like university, specialist hospital, ultra-modern markets and fire service stations, among others,‘’ Adeoti said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo praised both the state government and the kingmakers for ensuring a peaceful and transparent succession process.
He however pledged the support of the council to the new Olomu in his determination to impact positively on his subjects.
Similarly, the Eesa of Omu-Aran, Chief Jide Adebayo, who formally presented Adeoti to the community, called for stakeholders support towards the development of the community.
The installation ceremony was heralded by seven days seclusion of the new Olomu at Eesa residence.
Oba Adeoti who went into seclusion on September 16 however surfaced early hours of Saturday, September 22 to perform the trekking exercise.
He was joined in the trekking exercise which started around 9:30am, by family members, chiefs and residents of the community led by the Eesa. The crowd trekked through the community to the palace where the installation ceremony was performed.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hajia Habibat Katibi.
Also present were members of the State Executive Council, members of Kwara State House of Assembly, traditional rulers and religious leaders from within and outside the state. They were joined by sons and daughters of the community from far and wide.
Born on September 22, 1956, Oba Adeoti had his primary education at Saint Paul’s Anglican School Omu Aran. In 1966, he was admitted into the prestigious Government Secondary School, Ilorin as he passed the Northern Nigeria Common Entrance Examination.
He later gained admission into Kaduna Polytechnic where he studied Urban and Regional Planning. Oba Adeoti further obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning and Masters Degree in Environmental Management.
He started his working career at the Kwara State Housing Corporation and later Ministry of Works, Lands and Survey before being moved to Town Planning and Development Authority.
The new Olomu succeeds Oba Charles Oladele Ibitoye, who died on December 1, 2017 after a brief illness.
