Owa Obokun Adimula at 80

THE  handsome paramount ruler of Ijesaland in Osun State, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, is 80. Many Nigerians are rejoicing and celebrating with him. He is a ruler of distinction who has the love and support of his followers. As we celebrate this, Baba Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland is having a church service and a social get together to cap a unique celebration that started over two weeks ago.

Say whatever you like about this brilliant ruler, but you cannot but hail his patriotism and loyalty to Nigeria. He loves Nigeria with passion and he has a fanatical belief in the oneness and unity of Nigeria.

I remember too well a story told to me by the late Avatar and leader, Papa Obafemi Awolowo, about this great Oba shortly after his coronation as the Owa of Ijesaland. Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Aromolaran had gone to Ikenne to pay a visit to Papa and Mama Awolowo. Papa Awo said when it was time for lunch, Papa Awo had invited Oba Aromolaran to the table.

Owa politely said to Papa Awo in typical Ijesa dialect “Esoni rerun Ojimomo” meaning “no one sees the mouth of Ojimomo.” It means that it was taboo to see an Oba eat in the public. Papa Awo said he quickly understood what Oba Aromolaran was trying to convey and he and Mama (both of blessed memory) quickly cordoned off a portion of the sitting room at Ikenne to serve Kabiyesi his lunch. The above conveys Kabiyesi’s respect and love for tradition. It equally shows Papa and Mama Awo’s appreciation of what tradition represented.

The above clearly shows the true character of Kabiyesi Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran ever blunt, brave and honest in all my interactions with Kabiyesi, I have found him to be open to sound ideas and unconcerned about the poor understanding of events by those who do not pay homage to facts. I simply love him!

If you visit Owa, you must be armed with the truth. With Owa, there is no bigotry or shallowness of thought.

He did not gate crash into power. He prepared himself very well for the challenges and obligations of office. He educated himself to the post-graduate, doctorate level. He was never presented with an honorary doctorate degree. He passed all necessary examinations and excelled in all intellectual destinations relevant to the award of a doctorate degree. Before becoming a traditional ruler, he made a success of publishing the Aromolaran publishers. He never gave up his love for scholarship after he had ascended the throne of his fathers. Baba Kabiyesi, Owa, is a very warm and ever loving father. You may disagree with him. You cannot however fault his love for educational truth and honesty.

He equally remains a fervent Christian. He has a special area designated for the Owa inside the Otapete Methodist Church, Ilesa where today his 80th birthday will be marked.

He regards all Ijesas as his sons and daughters.  We are all happy children of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

There are many of us Ijesas in this circle: Governor Raufu Aregbesola; Erelu Olusola Obada, former deputy governor of Osun State and former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Muyiwa Akingbologbe; Honorable Gbenga Onigbogi, Ebinohimself, and many others who as children of Owa and are celebrating today with him as well. There is no social event you invite Owa Obokun Adimula to that he will not be present. Five years my senior in age, Baba Owa is as fit and agile as a fiddle. Owa Obokun Adimula has no time for trivialities. For Baba, time is precious.

Oba Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran equally believes in laudable principles. Any compromise over principle (to Baba Owa) is total abandonment of that principle. I can write volumes on this but time will not permit me to do this now.

Today is a great day in Ijesaland as we celebrate the 80th birthday anniversary of our traditional ruler and father.

We will dance and dance. We will eat pounded yam (the traditional food of Ijesas) and we will forever wish our Kabiyesi well.

May God continue to bless Owa Obokun Adimula, Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran of Ijesaland. Long may you reign! We salute you and adore you!!

Long Live Ijesland!!! Long Live Nigeria.

NEXT WEEK, we will continue with the serialization of Professor Wale Adebanwi’s book on Mama H.I.D.

God bless you all!

EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)