30/10/2024
*THE VACANT ROYAL THRONE OF IJESALAND - AN EXALTED SEAT NOT FOR THE FAINT*
"The throne of the Owa Obokun Adimula is the pivot on which Ijesaland revolves, the IJESA Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 fully legalized the rotational system of ascension to the throne OWA OBOKUN ADIMULA OF IJESALAND. Before 1961, the contest to the throne was open to all bonafide Princes of the IJESA Obokun Kingdom" - Adeoye Agunlejika.
Following the exit to the great beyond of the 40th Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR LLD, the exalted seat in Ijesaland has been vacant, the Kingdom has been thrown into a 90-day mourning of the great scholar who spent 42 years to write his own part of the history of Ijesa Obokun Kingdom. An international figure from Bilayiarere ruling house whose reign has been described by many as a blessing to Ijesas, at home and in diaspora.
As Ijesas are eagerly waiting to end the mourning period of the immediate past Owa and at the same time officially receive the interested Princes from Bilaro ruling house of Ijesaland (being the next in the rotational system of Ijesa chieftaincy declaration of 1961), the Kingmakers of Ijesaland must be reminded that all eyes are on them.
Ijesa Obokun Kingdom is one of the oldest Kingdoms in Yorubaland, the who-would-be 41st Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland must be a leader, not a ruler. Every bonafide Prince from Bilaro ruling house is eligible but we need a visionary leader, just as being said by Theodore M. Hesburgh "the very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet". We need a serious -minded Youth who has both national and international exposure & connection, a Prince who is versatile in not only Ijesa culture and tradition but that of Yoruba also.
The exalted throne is a traditional one which must be occupied by someone who understands his onions, the throne is too big to be occupied by a puppet or a coward. Ijesas are enlightened, well-read, exposed and educated to be led by someone who will not be fighting people on landed property, we need an Owa that will add value not only to the throne but to the entire Ijesaland.
We need a youthful Prince, not our fathers and grandfathers who are expected to be enjoying the fruits of their labour of their children. All what we need is an energetic Owa who would not be sleeping or found wanting when he is needed. A cultured, trained, young, educated and affluent Owa will put Ijesaland in its rightful position, he will attract developments to Ijesa towns and villages.
When the time comes, I pray for a new Ijesaland.
OLAYEMI, Jayson
G.R.A. Oke-Opo, Ilesa.
