The Oniroko of Iroko in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Ismaila Olasunkanmi Abioye, has commended the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for upgrading the status of Oniroko stool to an Oba status.
Oba Abioye gave the commendation during the installation of the former Oyo State Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Chief Samuel Oluniyi Akano as Bobagunwa and his wife, Grace Oluremi Akano as Yeye Bobagunwa of Iroko land at his palace recently.
The traditional ruler said what the governor did was long overdue, adding that he and the entire community would forever be grateful.
Speaking about the new Bobagunwa of Irokoland, the traditional ruler described him as a good teacher by all standards and educationist per excellence, while his selfless service cut across communities in the local government area of which Iroko community was also a benefactor.
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He said: “Conferring the highest chieftaincy title of Irokoland on Niyi Akano, who was a colleague in the teaching profession, this is to tell us about his antecedents in terms of his contributions to the development of the community.
“We are honouring you today because you deserve our honour. You always make me proud because of your humbleness and level headedness. In fact, your attitude made me fulfill the covenant I had with God long ago that I will always honour teachers whenever I have the opportunity to do so.”
The traditional ruler said that he had no doubt that his coming on board with other Iroko chief-in-council, would bring rapid development to Iroko community.
Oba Abioye also appreciated Chief (Mrs) Akano for the support she has been given to her husband which made him succeed in his call of duty.
In his remarks, Chief Akano disclosed that during his teaching career, he spent over two decades in Akinyele Local Government Area, as a class teacher, principal and as Chairman of NUT in the council area. Consequently the state NUT auditor and later the state chairman of the union.
He said: “What you are witnessing today is just to testify to what people were saying about me while I was in active service.”
He expressed appreciation to God almighty, Oba Abioye and the Iroko chief-in-council for the honour bestowed on him.
He promised to use his vast knowledge in education and leadership experience to attract positive change to the community, especially in the areas of agriculture, industrialisation, education, among others.
Also speaking, the new Yeye Bobagunwa of Iroko, a Principal of Abadina Junior College, UI, Ibadan, expressed her joy for the honour, saying “man proposes, but God disposes. It was after retirement that God deemed it fit to honour my husband, having served in different capacities in Akinyele Local Government Area.”
She thanked Oba Abioye and his chiefs for their thoughtful and assured the community members of her contribution to the development of Iroko.
Dignitaries at the event were, Baale of Orogun, Chief Aderemi Akanbi; Baale of Akinyele, Chief James Odeniran; Chairman of NUT, Oyo State chapter, Mr Toju Adedoyin; Chairman of NUT, Osun State chapter, Mr Wakeel Amuda and Chairman of NUT, Ondo Stat, Mr Victor Amoko.