By: Femi Emmanuel
Ogbomoso recorded another historic milestone in the preservation of Yoruba culture as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, conferred prestigious honorary chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons and daughters of the ancient city.
The colourful installation ceremony, held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Soun’s Palace in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, brought together eminent personalities from different walks of life. In attendance were academicians, politicians, business leaders, traditional rulers, educationists, and sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland from within Nigeria and the diaspora.
The event celebrated individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the growth, development, and progress of Ogbomoso land, thereby projecting the city as a centre of rich cultural heritage and a potential tourist destination.
Among those honoured was Sir Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle, who was installed as the Asipa of Ogbomosoland. Sir Adekunle, a legal practitioner and retired Federal Permanent Secretary, served Nigeria meritoriously for 35 years. He hails from the family of the late Mr. Abraham Ajayi and Chief (Mrs.) Rebecca Adefunke of Ayetoro Compound, Ijeru, Ogbomoso.
His wife was also honoured with the title of Yeye Asipa of Ogbomosoland. She is from the family of Honourable Justice James Moradeyo Adesiyun and Mrs. Felicia Adeola of Olomi Compound, Offa, Kwara State.
In his remarks, the Soun of Ogbomoso described Sir Adekunle as a pillar of strength and a man of exemplary character whose philanthropic gestures and professional achievements have positively impacted lives within and outside Ogbomosoland. The monarch attributed his success to sound parental upbringing and urged others to emulate his virtues.
Another recipient of a chieftaincy title was Dr. Saka Balogun, who was installed as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, a title that had remained vacant for many years. The Soun described Dr. Balogun as an elder statesman whose immense contributions to the city merited the honour. He expressed gratitude to God for granting him life to witness the occasion and thanked his family for their support.
The monarch charged Dr. Balogun to remain loyal to the throne and committed to the unity, peace, and development of Ogbomoso land, warning that disloyalty or actions capable of causing disunity would not be tolerated. He also urged him to deploy his wisdom and intellectual capacity to foster harmony and economic growth in the city, stressing that the office should not be politicised.
Similarly, Professor Adesola Adepoju was installed as the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland in recognition of his dedication and passion for the city’s development. His wife was also honoured with the title of Otun Yeye Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland. The monarch acknowledged Professor Adepoju’s consistent support and prayers over the years.
Also installed was Rear Admiral Ajani, who received the title of Aare Mayegun of Ogbomosoland, while his wife was honoured as Yeye Mayegun. Oba Olaoye described him as a zealous and committed son of the soil whose efforts have significantly contributed to the progress of Ogbomoso land.
In the same vein, Chief Amos Aderemi Aremu was installed as the Oba Isegun of Ogbomosoland in recognition of his relentless commitment to the advancement of the ancient city. His wife was also honoured during the ceremony.
Addressing the newly installed chiefs, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye congratulated them and reiterated that chieftaincy titles in Ogbomosoland are conferred strictly on the basis of dedication, commitment, and merit, not financial influence. He emphasized that service to the people remains the primary criterion for such honours.
The ceremony concluded with traditional rites and prayers, as guests were wished a safe return to their various destinations.
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