Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has presented staff and instrument of office to the first Elempe of Tapaland, Oba Sunday Oyekanmi Titiloye Abioje 1.
During the official coronation and presentation of staff of office at Tapa community High School, Tapa, on Monday 8Th July, 2024, the Governor, who was represented by the Deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, congratulated the new monarch and wished him a long and peaceful reign in office.
He charged him to duly accept the responsibility of the throne, stating that palaces are sacred places in Yoruba land.
The governor equally urged the monarch to surround himself with good advisors for the development of the community.
Reiterating that Oyo government will continue to strengthen the security architecture of the state, Governor Makinde however urged the new Elempe of Tapa to collaborate with Oyo government, security agencies and other royal fathers for continuous peace in Ibarapa zone.
He added that Tapa is predominantly known for farming, urging the community to work towards Agro industrial outfit, as well as making good use of its natural resources and abundant rocks in the community to generate revenue for the development of the town.
“So, on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, I urge you to collaborate with other royal fathers and also ensure the continuous spirit of unity and cooperation in Ibarapa zones is held.
“While I congratulate the entire community members for their resilience, I advise you to ensure that Tapa community is moved forward. This is a rich program very solid and with good people.”
Oba Titiloye in his earlier remarks extended his deep gratitude to God and Governor Seyi Makinde for the official coronation stating that the kind gesture will not be forgotten in a hurry.
He asserted that the event which is unprecedented in Tapa community, is a testimony of Governor Makinde’s commitment to the sanctity and preservation of Oyo traditions and ethos as well as his unflinching regard for those vested with upholding of our customs and culture.
In his words: “Tapa Land under my watch will witness tremendous development, peace and unparalleled growth in the name of God, the very King who governs the affairs of men with truth and without bias. This instrument of office will further accentuate the place of our great land in the comity of communities.
“Your Excellency, I am by this speech reiterating that the throne shall be a bridge between the government and the people; we shall witness unprecedented turnaround through the elevation brought to the Elempe throne by this instrument of office and coronation in particular. I am not ungrateful and on behalf of the great sons and daughters of Tapa Land, I say a big thank you to your Excellency for always supporting the traditional institutions in Oyo State.
“Finally, I express my profound gratitude to our amiable Governor for deeming it fit to give Tapa Community an office for Amotekun Corps, a befitting one at that this initiative has not only helped in the mitigation of crime but also in a way complements the efforts of other security agencies in combating crimes in Ibarapa land.
“Also, your administration brought joy to our hearts when you nominated one of our daughters to work with you as a commissioner in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in your first term (it was first of it’s kind). With this and today’s event,, you have re-written our history. We won’t forget this in a hurry.
“Lastly, I will like to appeal to you that Tapa be considered for the next local government chairman. We crave to see one of our own considered for that hallowed office through your assent in the future.
Once again I say a big thank you for gracing this occasion.”
The Elempe of Tapa however sought for the co-operation of Tapa Indigenes both at home and outside, the chiefs and educated elites to realize his ambition to build a community where peace and justice shall reign, a community free from acts of hooliganism, kidnapping and armed robbery and above all a community where everybody goes about his/her legal business without hindrance.
On the entourage of the Deputy Governor include Chief Wole Oyelese; Chief Saka Balogun; Chief Nureni Akanbi; Chief Sunday Ogunlade and Hon. Elder Adekola.
The event was attended by Oyo Speaker, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo state, Iyabo Yerima; ably represented by Hon. EO Ajayi; Reps member, Antony Adebayo; members of Oyo House of Assembly; commissioners and other top Oyo government functionaries.
