Ondo monarch tasks Nigerians on community development

Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola, the traditional ruler of the Isinkan community in the Akure South local government area of Ondo State, has stressed the need for communities to identify and harness their potential to enhance economic growth at the grassroots level.

The monarch also emphasized that individuals who have contributed to the development and growth of their communities should be identified, honored, and recognized.

The monarch spoke at the 2024 Isinkan Day, where chieftaincy titles were conferred on Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo and his wife with the traditional titles of the Aare Adimula and Yeye Aare Adimula of the Isinkan kingdom.

The monarch explained that the position is not a typical chieftaincy title but is exclusively reserved for the princes and princesses of the kingdom as a mark of recognition for their outstanding contributions to the development of the communities and the country.

He described the recipients as “icons who have distinguished themselves as dependable leaders in the field of engineering infrastructure in both the public and private sectors and in various state and national assignments.”

“Tunji Light Ariyomo is my son in whom I am well pleased. He is a beloved prince of this throne who has carried the banner of this kingdom as an exemplary ambassador with integrity.

“His pedigree is outstanding in this state and at the national level. He is a son we are very proud of.

“In the name of my ancestors and the authority of this throne, I hereby, on this 20th day of the month of July in the year 2024, proclaim you the Aare Adimula of the Isinkan kingdom and your wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Tolulope Ariyomo, as the Yeye Aare Adimula of the Isinkan kingdom.”

Others honored by the traditional ruler included the wife of constitutional lawyer Femi Falana, Princess Funmi Falana, whose great-grandfather was Oba Iralepo Ifagbade Ifatirin (Onaowuro I), and Justice Folashade Aguda-Taiwo, another prominent princess of the kingdom.

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The royal father, while presenting award plaques to the honorees, described both as virtuous women and lovers of God whose outstanding contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria have placed them in the top echelon of the practice as trailblazers and pacesetters in a field dominated by men.

Oba Iralepo added, “Our Lord Jesus recognized that prophets are hardly honored at home. We are therefore making this conscious effort to ensure we celebrate and honor these gems who have selflessly served the nation.”

Business mogul, Pastor (Dr.) Godwin Akpovie, the Chief Executive of Delta Coastal Economic Zone Authority, was also honored by the traditional ruler, along with other prominent natives of the community who were presented with royal awards.

The 2024 finale of the annual Isinkan Day festival took place on Saturday at Ita-Owa in Isinkan and was attended by dignitaries including the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Secretary to the Government of Ondo State, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi.