Date: 2018-09-10

An atmosphere of joy pervaded the Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Saturday following the approval of a new monarch.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government had given approval to Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti who was the kingmakers' nomination to fill the vacant throne of the Olomu of Omu-Aran.

Adeoti's approval was contained in a statement signed by the Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Abeeb in Ilorin on Friday.

Abeeb had earlier presented the certificate of appointment as the new traditional ruler of the community to Adeoti in his office.

This development came barely nine months after the death of the last occupant of the throne, Oba Charles Ibitoye, who joined his ancestors on Nov. 30, 2017 after a brief illness.

Ibitoye, from Ijawusi ruling house, ascended the throne in 1993.

A NAN correspondent in the community reports that scores of people ranging from artisans, traders, businessmen and women were seen dancing and rejoicing round the town over the appointment of the new monarch.

Scores of people were also at the Ijoko compound of the Olomu-elect as early as 9am to felicitate with the family and the community.

Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) described the development as "heartwarming".

"It is a thing of joy for us in Omu-Aran that this historical event is happening during our lifetime.

"We give kudos to the people of the community, particularly the kingmakers, the government and other critical stakeholders, for their untiring and selfless support while the process lasted.

"We pray that the reign of the new monarch witness peace, unity and tranquility," he told NAN.

Mrs Mogbonjubola Awoniyi, the Iyaloja (Market Leader) in Irepodun Local Government Area, on her part, described Adeoti's appointment as a "round peg in a round hole".

Pastor Doyin Lawal, President, Omu-Aran Youth Forum (OYF), in his own contribution, pledged the support of the youths to the Olomu-elect and the Olomu-In-Council in moving the community forward.

"We will not relent toward ensuring the enabling environment and atmosphere for peace and unity to reign in our community" he said.

Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, on his part, applauded the State Government for yielding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the community over the throne.

He urged both the indigenes and non-indigenes in the community to imbibe tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence in their dealings.

The Olomu-elect, Oba Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, who hails from Olomu-Efon ruling house, was born on Sept. 22 1956 into the family of Malam and Mrs Yusuf Amuda Adeoti Awoyinka of Ijoko compound, Omu-Aran.

He attended Saint Paul's Anglican School Omu-Aran and Government Secondary School, Ilorin for his primary and secondary education respectively.

Adeoti proceeded to the famous Kaduna Polytechnic, where he obtained his O.N.D., H.N.D. and P.G.D. in Urban and Regional Planning. He also obtained M.Sc. in Environmental Management.

His work experience commenced with the Kwara State Housing Corporation. He also worked with Kwara State Ministry of Works, Lands and Survey, the Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Kwara State Town Planning and Development Authority.

He served and rose through the ranks to become the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the Town Planning and Development Authority for two terms before he voluntarily withdrew his service in May 2018.