The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, has installed Chief Isiaka Olagunju, chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), as the new Mogaji of Opere Compound.
The installation ceremony took place at the Olubadan Palace, with dignitaries and family members in attendance.
Chief Olagunju pledged his commitment to adding value to Ibadan through the promotion of the culture and tradition of the city, adding that he would justify the people’s trust and confidence in him.
“My choice by our family to become the Mogaji was not in consideration of age, but in their wisdom, our elders found me worthy based on my contributions to the society,” Olagunju added.
Mogaji Olagunju promised to sustain youth empowerment, scholarships for students care for women and the elderly, and make the Olagunju name become more notable in Ibadanland.
In a goodwill message, a prominent member of the Opere Compound, Dr Muhammad-Lawal Musa Alongbija, described the installation of Olagunju as their Mogaji as fitting. He prayed for divine guidance and wisdom in sustaining the traditional title.
“Mogaji Isiaka Olagunju is our role model. His installation is putting a round peg in a round hole. He has the wherewithal to maintain the position,” Alongbija stated.
Dr Alongbija, who hinted that he was the first person in the family to nominate Chief Olagunju for the position of Mogaji due to his charismatic personality, promised to support him and abide by his instructions.
Wife of the Mogaji Opere, Dr Oluwanike Olagunju, expressed joy over the installation, saying that the choice of her husband was a seamless process that was borne out of his investment in the development of his people.
One of the elderly persons in Opere Compound, Pa Olasumbo Olagunju, confirmed that Mogaji Isiaka Olagunju is the first to be installed by the Olubadan in the lineage. He described the new traditional title as a watershed in the history of the family.
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