The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, on Friday joined the people of Itabo Community in Lanlate, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, to celebrate the coronation, installation and presentation of the Instrument and Staff of Office to the new Onitabo of Itabo, His Royal Highness, Oba Kehinde Isiaka Bayonle Oyedokun Oyekanmi, Ibitoye II.
The colourful ceremony, held at Itabo Community Primary School, Itabo, attracted government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, religious leaders and sons and daughters of the community, who gathered to witness the formal ascension of the new monarch to the throne of his forefathers.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, officially presented the Staff of Office to the new monarch through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who represented him at the event.
The Commissioner, alongside Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, jointly performed the symbolic presentation of the Instrument and Staff of Office, signifying the official recognition of Oba Kehinde Isiaka Bayonle Oyedokun Oyekanmi, Ibitoye II, as the Onitabo of Itabo.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Speaker congratulated the new traditional ruler on his well-deserved ascension to the throne and rejoiced with the people of Itabo on the successful installation of their monarch.
Describing the occasion as a significant milestone in the history of the ancient community, the Speaker expressed confidence that the reign of Oba Oyedokun would usher in a new era of peace, unity, stability and sustainable development for Itabo.
“As a son and representative of Ibarapa East, where Itabo is located, I am delighted to share in this historic moment with the good people of this community. Today’s coronation marks the beginning of a new chapter, and I have no doubt that Kabiyesi will provide purposeful, inclusive and exemplary leadership that will promote harmony and accelerate the development of Itabo,” Ogundoyin said.
He urged residents of the community to give the new monarch their maximum support and cooperation, stressing that the success of any traditional institution depends on the collective commitment of the people to the progress of their community.
The Speaker also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to strengthening traditional institutions across Oyo State, noting that the presentation of the Staff of Office reflects the administration’s respect for the cultural heritage and customs of the people.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, conveyed Governor Makinde’s congratulations to the new monarch and charged him to uphold the cherished values of the traditional institution by promoting peace, justice, unity and community development throughout his reign.
In his acceptance speech, the new Onitabo of Itabo, Oba Kehinde Isiaka Bayonle Oyedokun Oyekanmi, Ibitoye II, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Makinde, the Oyo State Government, the Speaker, kingmakers, elders and the entire people of Itabo for the confidence reposed in him.
