From 18th to 26th September, the ancient city of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, literary stood still as the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona conferred on popular fuji musician, Prince Wasiu Ayinde Adesanya (popularly known as K1 De Ultimate), two of the highest traditional titles in the land, the Otunba Fidipote Royal family and Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebuland.
The ceremony began last week when K1 De Ultimate, as tradition demands, was placed in seclusion at Idewon quarters of the city. Accompanied by his wife, the famous musician was escorted in a colourful procession, led by horse riders into the traditional Ojuorishagbola shrine for his ilete (traditional rites) at Idewon quarters Ijebu-Ode.
Different bands, including that of the musician, were stationed on Idewon Street to entertain guests, among whom were movie actors, government officials, royal fathers from across the South West and other celebrities.
A powerful delegation from the Oba-elect of Odo-Nla, Ikorodu-Lagos, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, was also on ground for the secluded days and beyond.
As tradition demands for all descendants of Fidipote Royal family of Ijebu-Ode, the new Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebuland and Olowolekomoh hail from the same genealogical dynasty of Fidipote Royal family Ijebu-Ode descendants, where Prince Ade-esho Odeyemi Fidipote, the progenitor of Omo Oba Meta of Odo-Nla Royal family, Ikorodu Division, Lagos State also hailed from.
Immediately, traditional rites began to prepare the new Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebuland for his new role.
The rites lasted for seven days, ending last Sunday.
Visitors from far and wide came to pay tribute to the Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu, and Odo Nla was not left out.
Prince Sijuade Oyebo, who led the 25-member delegation with Olowolekomoh, had his time with the new Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu on his ilete at Ojuorishagbola shrine, Idewon Quarters where he delivered his goodwill message.
Olowolekomoh said: “I, Ọba-Elect, HRM Oluṣọga Elias Adeyẹmi Olowolekomọh, on behalf of all the entire genealogical dynasty of Prince Ade-eshọ Odeyẹmi Fidipote (from the lineage of Olori Bamijaye Fidipote), the great and legendary hunter who is the progenitor of Ọmọ’ba Mẹta of Odo-Nla Royal family, Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, congratulate and rejoice with you on your conferment as Otunba Fidipote Royal family and Olori Omo Oba of Akile Ijebuland.
“Your selection as the Otunba Fidipote Royal family and Olori Omo Oba of Akile Ijebuland has endowed the position with your years on both the front and back of all Ijẹbu citizens in particular and the Yorubas in general. You championed passionately for the music industry which ranked you among equal in your professional field. You pushed for fair treatment of Nigerians and fought on behalf of those in need”.
The Oba-elect continued: “You sought to ensure that Nigeria is a country where all citizens have fair access to opportunities and can enjoy the fruits of our progress using your artistic prowess.
“As an indigenous and world acclaimed artiste of noble repute for both young and old and subsequently, of social and family development, you worked tirelessly to extend needed help to women, families and children”.
He praised the decision of the Awujale on the choice of Prince Adesanya for the traditional position.
“Your choice by the legendary Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona OFR (Ogbagba II) in his wisdom could not be more than appropriate for you to the position which cannot be over-emphasised as the best choice. In discharging your duties, your fairness will uphold the decorum of the entire Yoruba race, and your firmness will ensure that the progresses are smooth and orderly. Under your guidance, the good standings of the Yoruba race will continue to be maintained and emulated”, Olowolekomoh further said .
In response, Adesanya appreciated the gesture of the delegation from Odo Nla, even as he assured that he would personally be on ground at the coronation of Prince Olowolekomoh scheduled to hold before the year runs out.
“I am happy, I am very happy to receive the delegation of Oba elect Olowolekomoh. I and Prince Olowolekomoh have come a very long way and I assure you that I will be present at his coronation as Oba of Odo Nla by the grace of God”.
He offered prayers for the delegation as part of the rites.
On 26th September, the coronation proper, Ijebu Ode practically went on a lockdown mode. From the palace of the Awujale where K1 De Ultimate went with family and friends to receive the royal blessing of the paramount king of the Ijebu nation, to the Mayeigun Royal Resort where the reception took place, it was a beehive of activities.
