The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Razaq Adesina Adenugba, has held an interactive session with Ago-Iwoye Traditional title holders (Otunbas and Chiefs).
The event, which was held at the Ebumawe’s Palace on Monday, 21st April, 2025, had in attendance distinguished personalities who had been conferred with traditional titles of Otunbas and Chiefs by the past and present Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye.
In his welcome speech, Oba Adenugba said the interactive session, which will be a yearly event, was the first of its kind since he came to the throne over twenty years ago. He said the event was put together for the purpose of sharing thoughts on the progress and development of Ago-Iwoye, adding that it is also an avenue to identify the various challenges confronting Ago-Iwoye and Ebumawe in his administration, with a view to proffering lasting solutions.
The Monarch, who admitted that he doesn’t have monopoly of knowledge or all the solutions to the town’s problems, solicited for the commitment, collective intervention and support of all the Otunbas and Chiefs in surmounting the various challenges, so that the town will continue to grow from strength to strength and be on a prosperous path.
The traditional ruler stated that since his ascension to the throne in 2004, Ago-Iwoye has recorded some modest achievements which were recorded with the unflinching support of some well-meaning Ago-Iwoye indigenes, among whom are few traditional title holders that are very close to the Palace.
He therefore pleaded with all the traditional title holders to see Ago-Iwoye as a project for all, and which everyone must contribute their quota to its upliftment.
Oba Adenugba urged the traditional title holders not to leave him alone to face the daunting task of ruling Ago-Iwoye, noting that their support is needed to take Ago-Iwoye to higher level.
He said: “A situation whereby people will receive traditional titles and go away without looking back to see how they can contribute to the development of the town is not acceptable.
“As a traditional title holder in Ago-Iwoye, whether you are an indigene or not, Ago-Iwoye has automatically become your home, and your contributions to its development must be of utmost priority to you.
“Don’t let us leave the the task of developing Ago-Iwoye in the hands of a few so that they will not be overwhelmed”.
The Royal Father also thanked the people of Ago-Iwoye for their wonderful support during his 20th Coronation Anniversary which was held in 2024.
He also extended appreciation to the traditional title holders who have always been supporting him and the town in the quest to make Ago-Iwoye rank among the best towns/cities in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
The interactive session also witnessed lectures on “Roles of Traditional Title Holders in Community Development”, delivered by Prof.R.O Ajetunmobi, Prof. Durotoye Adeleke and Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, who in their separate submissions emphasized on the need for traditional title holders to support and defend the traditional ruler in his onerous task of administering the community.
The traditional title holders were urged to continuously promote and uphold the culture and tradition of the town.
In his goodwill message, Otunba Alex Onabanjo, who pleaded unconditional love for Ebumawe from his subjects, called on all Otunbas and Chiefs not to abandon Ebumawe, but give maximum support to him and the town in order to justify the titles they received from the monarch.
Dr Femi Bakre, in his message congratulated Oba Adenugba for the unprecedented development being witnessed in Ago-Iwoye since he ascended the throne, while pledging the support of Otunbas and Chiefs to the administration of Ebumawe in his efforts to ensure more development in the town.
The Baba Oba of Ago-Iwoye, Maj. Gen. Awosanya, who referred to himself as the number one lover of Ago-Iwoye, urged the traditional title holders to use their God given resources to develop Ago-Iwoye and support the Ebumawe, adding that posterity will remember them for good.
He cautioned those who are promoting enmity to desist from such and embrace peace so that Ago-Iwoye will continue to grow.
In his remarks, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebanjo, congratulated Oba Adenugba for the success of the interactive session, and urged all sons and daughters of Ago-Iwoye to continue to support their royal father.
Some of the distinguished guests at the event include: Oba Lawrence Adebanjo, Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo; Oba Abdulrasheed Cossy Salami, Saderiren of Isonyin; Maj. Gen. S.A Awosanya, Baba Oba of Ago-Iwoye; Otunba (Dr) Alex Onabanjo, Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye; Dr Femi Bakre, Oluomo of Ago-Iwoye; Iya-Afin Funke Bakre, Iyalode of Ago-Iwoye; Col (Dr) Ademola Onalaja, Balogun of Ago-Iwoye; Otunba Liadi Yusuf, Akogun of Ago-Iwoye; Rt. Hon. Abdel-Majid Adesegun Adekoya, Aremo Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye; Otunba Akeredolu and Otunba Yeye Akeredolu, Yeye Oba of Ago-Iwoye; Otunba Akin Ogungbe; Olootu Dipo Sofowora; Otunba Yomi Bada; Yomi Ogunsanu, Publisher, Great Achiever Magazine; Otunba Murphy Adekoya, Ogbeni Oja of Ago-Iwoye.
