OPINION
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OWA AJERO !
HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, JP, OFR, Arojojoye II
By Femi Alufa
HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, JP, OFR Arojojoye II was born into a lineage of distinguished ancestors. His father,Prince James Adewole was born to the royal throne of Oba Aderuku Arojojoye I, Ajero of Ijero who reigned from 1916 to 1930.
Similarly,his mother , Olori Alice Folorunso Adewole had a blue blood flowing in her vein as her mother,Her Royal Highness Abigail Adesoro Aladejuyigbe served as the Regent of Awo -Ekiti.
According to Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole: “It was under the care of my maternal grandmother that I spent my formative years absorbing the wisdom and values that would shape my character and values into adulthood.Remarkably,an intriguing coincidence unfolded in my family’s history.During a particular period ,both my paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother ascended to the throne and held reign over their respective domains simultaneously.This synchronicity in their reigns added a unique and compelling dimension to my family’s legacy”…
“Their parallel reigns served as a testament to the esteemed lineage from which I hail.This extraordinary coincidence not only exemplifies the richness of our family’s heritage but also underscores the deep-rooted tradition of leadership and service that has shaped my own journey.I am humbled and honoured to be part of such remarkable legacy, embracing the responsibility to carry it forward with pride and dedication.”
After his predecessor, Oba Adeniran Eyeowa II joined his ancestors on 24th October, 1990.It was the turn of the Arojojoye Royal Ruling House to produce a candidate for the vacant stool of Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Prince Adebayo Adewole was called to enter the race for the throne .To God be the glory ,he ascended the throne and crowned as ,His Royal Majesty Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, Arojojoye II,Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom on December 26,1991.
In the words of Owa Ajero: “This serendipitous turn of events marked a pivotal moment in my life, igniting a deep sense of purpose and propelling me towards making a significant impact in my community.
In furtherance of my role as a traditional ruler,I was appointed Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas in February 1995 and the pioneer Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Obas when Ekiti State was created in 1996.Since assuming the throne,I have dedicated myself to the progress and development of Ijero Kingdom.
During my reign,I have worked tirelessly to foster peace, progress, prosperity, development and unity among my people.I actively participated in the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State, advocating for the recognition and empowerment of our land.”
Prior to his Obaship, he was a civil servant with the Ondo State Ministry of Lands and Housing as a Principal Surveyor.
He was trained at the Federal Survey School, Oyo, Nigeria and also in Netherlands where he did his Postgraduate studies in Surveying and Area Mapping.HRM Oba Adewole also attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he studied Mathematics for his first degree.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Administration and Management of Nigeria, Fellow Nigeria Institution of Surveyors and in 2003,the highly regarded monarch was conferred with the Officer of the Federal Republic(OFR) by Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo.He is also a title holder of Justice of Peace (JP) bestowed upon him by the Ondo State Government in recognition of his commitment to justice and peace within the state.In 1997,He was also honoured with the Ekiti State Merit Award,and in 2021,he was recognized as a Builder of Ekiti State.
He has received several honours at home and abroad.His Royal Majesty, The Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom is a reformer and promoter of the cultural heritage of his people. He is also a catalyst of societal development.
Above all,HRM Oba Adebayo Adewole attributed his achievements and blessings to the grace, benevolence and beneficence of the Almighty God.
My prayer is that the King of Kings will continue to prolong the life of Our Dear King, HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, Arojojoye II in good health and sound mind to reign over the good people of Ijero Kingdom with a peaceful, progressive and prosperous reign more than all his ancestors.Kabiesi,You are indeed a blessing to this generation.
May the good Lord continue to imbue your majesty with wisdom and strength to forge ahead and crown all your efforts with good success.
God bless the King and the good people of Ijero Kingdom, Ekiti State , Yoruba Nation and Nigeria at large.
Your Majesty Sir,May you live longer than your forebears!
Kabiesi,e je ju Ara iwaju o! Amin
- Femi Alufa is the Publisher of the Ekiti Summit News Media Group.