Obj, Atiku, Ooni, others observe coronation of Owa Oboku in Ilesa

The former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboye Oyetola, Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi were among high profile dignitaries that stormed Ilesa, Osun State on Friday for the coronation of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup.

Also in attendance were prominent politicians, captain of industries, traditional rulers including former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi; Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, among numerous others.

Addressing the gathering, President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy pledged his commitment to collaborate with traditional rulers for socioeconomic development of the country.

His words: “I call for deeper collaboration between traditional authorities and government at all levels. Let us work hand in hand to confront the challenges that face our people and to deliver meaningful change — change that is visible in schools, in markets, on roads, and in the dignity of every citizen.

“I charge Your Majesty to continue to be a pillar of unity and a bridge between the past and the promise of tomorrow.

“Our nation yearns for peace, equity, and progress, and traditional rulers like yourself have a vital role to play in achieving this vision. May your palace be a sanctuary of justice, dialogue, and service.

“As we celebrate our new monarch, let us remember that our cultural diversity is not a burden, but a strength that enrich our national identity. In our royal institutions, we find deep wells of wisdom, guardianship, and moral authority. The place of the traditional ruler remains central in promoting communal harmony, resolving conflicts, and fostering grassroots development”.

Also speaking, Governor Adeleke, while congratulating the new monarch, assured the monarch of his administration’s commitment to public private partnership in all areas.

He enumerated steps taken by his administration to develop Ilesa and Ijesaland in general.

“I reaffirm the commitment of our administration to the overall development of Ijesaland in line with our promise, Ilesa is now a university town. Over 50 courses are already accredited. We are building the internal infrastructure within the university. The university management is building a credible global institution under the direction of our administration.

“I am glad to announce that the General Hospital, Ilesa has been approved as the Teaching Hospital for the University of Ilesa. This will boost Ilesa as a centre of medical excellence.

“We are focussed on the upgrading of Ilesa to a modern city. Hence, we are almost completing the over 12 kilometers Ereja Square-Brewery Junction dual carriageway. This landmark project for the first time is opening up Ilesa for business and pleasure,” Adeleke said.