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.
This landmark event confirms the official ascension of the monarch. The Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin praised the peaceful transition, noting its historical importance for the region during this vibrant Ibarapa East coronation ceremony.
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.
Seyi Makinde Presents the Staff of Office
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. This high-profile handover underlined the execution of the Governor Seyi Makinde Staff of Office presentation policy, which continues to legitimise local leadership across the state.
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 ruling Onitabo of Itabo.
Key Figures Present include:
- Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Speaker, Oyo Assembly)
- Hon. Ademola Ojo (Commissioner for Local Government)
- Local Kingmakers and Ibarapa East Stakeholders
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.
A New Chapter for Ibarapa East Chieftaincy
“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.
State Government Demands Unity and Justice
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. The address reinforced state expectations regarding the duties of the Onitabo of Itabo in grassroots governance.
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.
