By Kayode Adeoti
Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State stood still on Saturday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II decorated the Onijagbo of Ijagbo, Oba Salaudeen Fagbemi Adeyeye with a beaded crown.
The event which took place at the playground of Oyun Baptist High School, Ijagbo was witnessed by eminent sons and daughters of the community, top government functionaries and well wishers from far and near.
As early as 8am, both the palace of the Onijagbo and the Oyun Baptist School were already buzzing with activities as indigenes of the town entertained guests with rich cultural display.
The arrival of the Ooni around 12:20pm marked the official commencement of the occasion. The revered royal father was earlier welcomed at the border of the town by high chiefs from Ijagbo.
Among those who welcomed the Ooni at the palace were the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ali Ahmad, and Prince Kamaldeen Fagbemi among others.
Presenting the beaded crown to the Onijagbo, the Ooni prayed that the new crown will mark the beginning of good tidings for the community.
According to him, the Ijagbo community had its origin from Ile-Ife, Osun State, stressing that the community was founded by one of the descendants of Ojaja I.
He said, “I brought this crown from Ojaja I, the Ijagbo community will enjoy this new time and everyone will be happy for it.”
“I’m here with the Onijagbo, we are blood brothers, we’re both answering the same name. That is the power of God. Onijagbo has received the grace of God; he became king and he has advanced in age. I have also received the grace of God as the Oonirisa and Ojaja II. I beseech God for the grace to advance in age on the throne like the Onijagbo.”
Speaking on the significance of the beaded crown, the Ooni said it is imperative for all Yoruba monarchs due to its spiritual powers.
On his part, son of the Onijagbo, Prince Fagbemi, said his father was appointed the leader of the community on 12th August, 1979 and the first monarch in the history of the community to attain second class status.
Speaking, Ahmad appreciated the monarch for his commitment to the people just as he said the Kwara State Government will continue to respect and support traditional institution.
Earlier, the National President, Ijagbo Descendants Union, Mr. Tunde Agboola Oyawoye, described the event as a three pronged celebration.
“Firstly, it is a celebration of the highly exalted second class staff of office presented to the Onijagbo of Ijagbo by the Kwara State Government in December 2018.
“Secondly, it is the celebration of the beaded crown presented to the Onijagbo by Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, a due recognition of the status of Onijagbo among the Obas of Yoruba land.
“However, a third and salient one is the celebration of the life and time of our highly revered Oba, His Royal Majesty (Alhaji) Oba Salaudeen Olagunju Fagbemi Adeyeye, a centenarian.”
