In his first official public communication, the Orimolusi-Elect, Prince Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, has expressed his gratitude to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the five coronet sovereigns with dominion over the five constituents making up Ijebu Igbo – Atikori, Japara, Ojowo, Oke Agbo and Oke Sopen, and the Executive Chairman, Ijebu North Local Government, Hon Bolaji Oluwaseun Odusanya for the historic roles they played in his emergence as the Orimolusi-Elect, which ended the 27-year interregnum suffered by the Orimolusi throne.
Also in the public statement entitled “Goodwill Message”, the Orimolusi-Elect thanked the 11 warrant chiefs – all Ijebu Igbo indigenes – empaneled by the state government to elect an Orimolusi in the exercise which led to his emergence, namely Chief Ademola Adedeji, Prof. Yinka Balogun, Prof. Kola Balogun, Prof. Layi Ogunkoya, Chief Ademola Okusanya, Chief P. O. Omotara, Prof. Bisi Ogunfowora, Mr. Olusegun Olusanya, Prof. B. Obigbesan, Prof. Ayo Ogunye and Mr. Fatai Bolujo.
In addition, the Orimolusi-Elect extended his appreciation to the entire Ijebu Igbo people at home and in the Diaspora for the groundswell of support which followed his election, pledging “to work with purpose and integrity towards restoring the glory of Ijebu Igbo, our fatherland”
The public statement reads in full”
“With all humility and sincere purpose of heart, I express my unreserved appreciations to God Almighty who in His infinite mercy chose me for this exalted position.
After God Almighty, my greater appreciation goes to His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, the executive governor of Ogun State. You gave a level-playing ground devoid of any executive influence. I am grateful sir. I’m of the real opinion that for such an overwhelming grace bestowed upon me by this great choice, no amount of words would ever be great enough to express my feelings of deep gratitude.
“My ever humble, gracious and dutiful Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon. Bolaji Oluwaseun Odusanya, I felt short of words to express my appreciation to you. I know Ijebu North really got it right having a man with the fear of God and passionate love for the development of his fatherland as our executive chairman. Omobolaji, the wisdom with which you assembled the best of Ijebu Igbo as warrant chiefs will never run dry. I’m grateful!
My deepest appreciation goes to His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr. Sikiru Adetona, the Paramount ruler of Ijebu land. May your reign continue to be peaceful and progressive. Thank you Alaiyeluwa.
Further, my sincere appreciation goes to all the five Kabiyesi in Ijebu Igbo. HRH Oba Mufutau Yusuf, the Sopen Lukale of Oke Sopen, HRH Oba Abayomi Olusesan Banjo, the Olokine of Ojowo, HRH Oba Ibitoye Solaja, the Keegbo of Atikori, HRH Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, the Bejeroku of Oke Agbo, HRH Oba Aderemi Ogunye, the Abijaparako of Japara. May you all reign long in peace and good health.
“To all the warrant Chiefs who worked assiduously with the elders, permit me to list them, for they are worthy ambassadors of Ijebu Igbo. Chief Ademola Adedeji, Prof. Yinka Balogun, Prof. Kola Balogun, Prof. Layi Ogunkoya, Chief Ademola Okusanya, Chief P. O. Omotara, Prof. Bisi Ogunfowora, Mr. Olusegun Olusanya, Prof. B. Obigbesan, Prof. Ayo Ogunye and Mr. Fatai Bolujo. Your commitment to truth, diligence, fair play and fear of God would be difficult to match by any ordinary man on the streets. You are all a cream of our finest. In spite of your busy schedule, you chose to make the assignment given to you more paramount than any personal schedule. Sirs, on behalf of the good people of Ijebu Igbo, I say thank you.
“I must not end this appreciation note without acknowledging the great spiritual efforts of all religious leaders in Ijebu Igbo. Men and women of diverse faith and religious groups who have kept unshaken faith with hope by offering prayers and sacrifices to the Almighty God for a king for our beloved town. Your unrelenting spirit has paid off at last.
“I say thank you to members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ijebu Igbo Chapter, the League of Imams and all Muslims faithful of our fatherland, all the Isese parapos and many who had in one way or the other sacrificed time, energy and money towards the good cause of having a befitting Orimolusi. I say thank you all.
“I promise not to disappoint my God, who chose me for this exalted position. I promise not to disappoint all the good people of Ijebu Igbo Kingdom. I promise to work with purpose and integrity towards restoring the glory of Ijebu Igbo, our fatherland.
“Thank you one, thank you all.”
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