It was yet another moment of glory and honour for one of the daughters of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Princess Olayinka Kafayat Balogun, a businesswoman and philanthrophist, who was appointed the new Yeye Apero of Lagos State.
In line with the ancient tradition in Yorubaland, the official installation ceremony took place at the Obatala temple yard in Ile-Ife on Saturday.
The Obatala of Lagos State, Obalesun Obatala Agbaye HDG Oba Isoro O.O.O Dada, who honored the Princess with the title in recognition of her stamina, integrity, far-reaching influence and strong love for Yoruba culture and tradition, equally represented her at the coronation.
The choice of Princess Olayinka, however, is indeed a unanimous decision of the Yoruba Traditionalist Council and major stakeholders of the Oodua race, agreeing that her character, personality and her wealth of experience as an international business woman, a royal ambassador and a great icon of the African culture perfectly qualify her.
Speaking with our reporter from U.K briefly after the event, the new Yeye Apero of Lagos, expressed happiness, saying that though the development is a huge responsibility, she will continue to make efforts to preserve the culture and strengthen the unity of Yoruba land.
“I am honoured to be recognised by the Traditionalists Council of Yorubaland, and being singled out among the great and deserving women of our time, to be given this title.
“Of course, I know it is a huge responsibility and I strongly believe that, in my time, I will work assiduously to preserve our culture and strengthen the unity of Yoruba land,” She stated.
The coronation had in attendance a number of cultural icons, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from a broad spectrum of the society, including multinationals, the organised private sector and the public sector.