28/07/2025
Alaafin Confers First Chieftaincy Title, Iya Gbogbo of Oyo Kingdom, on Accomplished Traditionalist
By Bode Durojaiye. Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
Our culture reflects men and women all kinds. They can be virtuous or vile, kind or cruel, intellectual or dim-witted, goal-oriented or unaccomplished.
No one seems to recognize the woman who quietly goes about her life doing good and noble things. No one pays any mind to the family woman of few words, the woman who is courageous but doesn’t necessarily have to rescue people in slow motion to prove it.
There’s a difference between being noble and doing noble things.
We confuse the one-time act of nobility with the character trait of being noble.
For a woman to truly live a noble life and be a noble person, she must leave her mark on humanity in small, consistent ways that demonstrate and define her character over time.
She must be selfless, stand up consistently for what’s good and right even when it’s unseen or unpopular, and never yield integrity to what’s convenient or common.
Little wonder when the 68 year old Chief Mrs Amudalat Amobioljo
was installed today as the new Iya Gbogbo of Oyo Kingdom by the Titan of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, IKu Baba Yeye, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1.
Many people thought the chieftaincy title of Iya Gbogbo iis just ordinary , but this is not so .
It is a title specially created for a seasoned traditionalist and a noble woman who cares more about others than herself, adapts to the needs of those around her, builds successful relationships, flourishing families, and a prosperous career; not for the glory of those things herself , but simply because everything she touches becomes infused with her integrity and good intent.
Chief Mrs Amobioljo is affluent , awesome, yoke breaker, excellent ,generous, ultimate, and noble.
Chief Amobiojo recognizes her influence in this world and strives to make that influence memorable and positive.
She is not a woman who does one or two good things in her life and then rests on her laurels the rest of the way.
Life is about constant expansion and growth. A noble woman is a changing woman.
She considers new ideas and ideals. A woman who recognizes her simply cannot understand all situations and people, so she does her best to withhold swift judgments.
In his address while conferring the new chieftaincy title on Chief Mrs Amobioljo, the Alaafin represented by his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, said: “ human creatures are born with a specific purpose and mission. The mission varies with individuals, but not without obstacles, which comes in the form of a distraction.”
The Paramount Ruler continued: “Without doubt, it takes some people a lot of time before they realize essentially what their mission is, whilst very unfortunately, it takes some other individuals their lifetime before they understand what the essence of their birth implies.
“The implication is that a situation could arise whereby the lack of realization of someone’s mission might lead others, or multitude astray, because like a chain, we are all connected imaginarily, one way or the other…
“Today, the flowers bloom, the sun is sunnier, and life is awesome – all because of the Iya Gbogbo of Oyo Kingdom"".
Alaafin Owoade stated that as the worthy Iya Gbogbo of Oyo Kingdom, I cannot think of anyone else that is more deserving of an incredibly-happy day.
" How do you keep getting older but looking younger? Just one of the many amazing things about you! You were born and the world got better, as everybody wins!”.
IKu Baba Yeye went further , " I am saying it with every sense of responsibility and authority conferred on the Alaafin institution that one who holds title from the Alaafin is found suitable for the title, hence the need for you to comport yourself in such manner because the Iya Gbogbo chieftaincy title from the Alaafin is rooted with tradition".
In his remark, the Chairmano of Isese Worshippers Committee and the Asiwaju Awo of Oyo Kingdom, Chief Olanipekun Onifade, said being brought up with a respect for her heritage and past, Chief Mrs Amobioljo, a notable business tycoon and an awesome traditionalist who identifies strongly with her ancestors, taking pride in her family history, deeply embedded in traditions, and considers others above self.
According to Chief Onifade, '' Yoruba mythology is surrounded by powerful gods and goddesses called Orishas. As you may know, they’re supernatural beings with powers over nature, love, and everything in between. The divine creator, Olodumare, is considered the supreme deity. Rituals, ceremonies, and divination play vital roles in spiritual practices as they are the ways used to worship and communicate with the gods.
"" The beliefs are about worship, devotion, and a whole mood of celebrating life’s journey with these revered supernatural beings. According to the teachings of these religions, the orishas are spirits sent by the supreme creator, Olodumare, to assist humanity and to teach them to be successful on Ayé (Earth).
Rooted in the native religion of the Yoruba people, most orishas are said to have previously existed in òrún—the spirit world—and then became Irúnmọlẹ̀—spirits or divine beings incarnated as human on Earth.
"" Irunmole took upon a human identity and lived as ordinary humans in the physical world, but because they had their origin in the divine, they had great wisdom and power at the moment of their creation in Yoruba mythology"".
Olodumare: Olodumare, Chief Onifade pointed out, is the all-powerful being, the supreme creator that sent the Orishas to assist humanity.
Said he, ""there are numerous problems humanity faces that require us to turn to the Orishas for help. Each Orisha has a unique role in shaping the cosmic order by actively influencing life and assisting with every problem we encounter. It’s about a careful orchestration of elements to ensure that the cosmic order remains intact. Their interventions serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists in both nature and human affairs. Here are a few of their roles: orishas, in Yoruba mythology, serve as guides, helping people navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s Ogun offering strength in battles or Oshun bringing love to the hearts of the people, they guide our spirits in times of need"".
