Chairman of Babatunde Adedamola Awodola Foundation, Crown Prince Babatunde Awodola, has commended Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over the selection process that birthed the successful election of the new Owa of Igbajo, esteemed Kabiyesi, Oba Dr. Ademola Makinde Onigemon 1st.
Awodola, who is a Crown Prince from Baba Owa Ruling of Oyigi Bloc, while speaking to journalists, on Saturday, extended his warm greetings to the people of Igbajo both home and abroad, saying the process was fair and transparent.
In his words: “To the esteemed indigenous people of Igbajo, near and far, I extend my warmest greetings in the name of the Most High. I am Crown Prince Adedamola Babatunde Awodola, hailing from the noble Baba Owa Ruling of Oyigi Bloc.
“Firstly, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Almighty for overseeing a selection process that was marked by freedom, fairness, and transparency, culminating in the successful election of our new esteemed Kabiyesi, Oba Dr. Ademola Makinde Onigemon 1st.
“I also wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the honorable Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Nuruden Jackson Ademola Adeleke, for his commitment to upholding truth and justice in our dear state. It is indeed a testament to his leadership that such integrity prevailed throughout.
“As a former military personnel with a deep-rooted commitment to protecting lives and promoting prosperity, and as a member of the esteemed United Nations, humanitarianism runs deep in my veins.
“Furthermore, I am humbled to have been considered among the candidates for the esteemed stool of Owa Igbajo.”
The Crown Prince, while expressing satisfaction on the consideration given to him, having been among the candidates for the esteemed stool of Owa Igbajo, he noted that he has accepted the outcome of the selection process in the spirit of love and devotion to his beloved hometown.
Awodola, who also expressed satisfaction at the peace enjoyed in the town under the administration of Governor Adeleke, noted that the peaceful co-existence and security will be sustained under the reign of new Kabiyesi.
He said: “The journey thus far has been one marked by challenges and uncertainties. From the untimely passing of the late Kabiyesi Fashde to the subsequent vacancy in the stool, each twist and turn has tested our resolve. Yet, throughout it all, our collective hope remained steadfast.
“Reflecting on the events leading up to this moment, it is evident that our unity and perseverance have been our greatest assets.
“Despite the hurdles we faced and the suspicions that arose, we stood together as a community, guided by a shared vision for the future of Igbajo. We have lived peacefully in this town and I know that the peaceful coexistence will be sustained.
“Indeed, the road to this point has been paved with sacrifices, both personal and collective. As one of the candidates vying for the esteemed position, I am acutely aware of the investments—both tangible and intangible—that have been made along the way. However, in the spirit of love and devotion to our beloved hometown, I wholeheartedly accept the outcome of the recent selection process.”
Awodola, however, implored the sons and daughters of Igbajo Iloro to join him in embracing peace and unity under the leadership of the newly elected Kabiyesi.
He urged the people to heed the call to support and collaborate with him, saying it is only through unity and cooperation that hometown can truly be moved forward.
“In closing, let us remember the timeless adage: ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. Together, let us strive for greatness, knowing that our collective strength knows no bounds. May the blessings of the Almighty continue to shine upon us all. Esile a gbe wa o…. Ase,” he concluded.
