Irete Agog As Oba Awokoya Yusuf Marks 4th Year On The Throne

…Installs Iyalode, Otunba & Yeye Jadiara of the Kingdom

The ancient city of Irete, along Omu Ijebu, home to the Oba Adetona College of Education formerly known as TASCE was agog on Saturday as its revered monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Abdul-Ganiyu Olusegun Awokoya Yesufu, Kutimehin Adetutu I, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, celebrated his fourth anniversary on the throne with great pomp and pageantry.

The colourful event, held at the Onirete’s Palace, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and well-wishers from Nigeria and the diaspora.

Popular Fuji musician, King (Dr.) Saheed Osupa, thrilled the audience with electrifying performances, adding glamour and excitement to the celebration.

Among the royal fathers who graced the occasion were the Dagburewe of Idowa, HRH Oba Kayode Adefuwape; the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, HRH Oba Razaq Adenugba; and the Gbengande of Ososa-Ijebu, HRH Oba Toye Alatishe, alongside other eminent Ijebu monarchs who came to rejoice with the Onirete.

A major highlight of the event was the installation of new chiefs into prestigious traditional titles; Chief (Mrs.) Ogoji Idayat ‘Tope was decorated as the Iyalode of Irete Kingdom, while Hon. Rafiu Olumide Adesanya was conferred with the title of Otunba Jadiara of Irete Kingdom; His wife, Mrs. Afolashade Adesanya, was installed as the Yeye Otunba Jadiara. 

Their installations added splendor to the royal celebration and were witnessed by family members, friends, and supporters who described the honours as well-deserved recognitions of their contributions to community development.

According to The Issues Magazine online, since ascending the throne in 2021, Oba Awokoya Yesufu has demonstrated visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to tradition, and a strong commitment to the progress of Irete Kingdom. His reign has been marked by initiatives focused on community development, youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and the promotion of cultural heritage.

Reflecting on his four-year reign, the monarch expressed gratitude to the people of Irete for their unity and resilience, describing the journey as humbling and fulfilling. He noted that the progress achieved so far was a result of collective effort, love, and a shared sense of purpose among the people.

The celebration was a magnificent showcase of Yoruba culture and royal grandeur, featuring traditional drummers, dancers, and vibrant cultural displays. The entire Irete-Ijebu community was beautifully decorated for the occasion, symbolizing pride in heritage and continuity of tradition.

Royal blessings were jointly offered by the Onirete and other royal fathers to the newly installed chiefs and guests, with prayers for continued peace, prosperity, and unity in Irete Kingdom.

More than just a celebration, the event served as a reaffirmation of traditional authority, cultural pride, and communal harmony under the esteemed leadership of His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Abdul-Ganiyu Olusegun Awokoya Yesufu, Kutimehin Adetutu I, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu.

- Oluseun ODUNEYE, The Issues Magazine