The Yoruba community in Enugu State has appointed Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo as its new traditional ruler. Adebayo, who hails from Osun State, is the first-ever Oba of the Yoruba community in Enugu, marking a significant milestone for the Yoruba people in the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during the community meeting held on Tuesday in Enugu, Adebayo discussed the diversity within the Yoruba community, which consists of people from seven different states: Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kogi, and Kwara.
He also highlighted the various Yoruba ethnic groups in Enugu, including the Ibadan Progressive Union, Ede Descendants, and the Olateji, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ilorin Descendant Unions.
“Today, the Ibadan Progressive Union has chosen to join the Progressive Yoruba Community in Enugu State, fulfilling our long-standing desire to have an Oba,” Adebayo was reported by the media to have said.
On the selection process, Adebayo explained, “The process involved finding someone with a good record, good behaviour, and the ability to care for his people. The selected individual needed to be trustworthy and capable of providing quality representation for the Yoruba people in the state.”
He further recounted how the journey to establishing a Yoruba Oba in Enugu began, noting, “Interest in the position was expressed as early as 2018. We lost about three candidates during the selection process. The Yoruba elders then decided to appoint a neutral and trusted individual, and I was chosen for the role.”
Adebayo, who has been a resident of Enugu since February 7, 1979, shared his experience of living peacefully in the state for over four decades. “I came to Enugu on 7 February 1979 and have lived peacefully in the state since then,” he said, calling for support, love, and unity from the Yoruba community.
One of the aspirants, Chief Valentine Adesina, acknowledged the challenges faced during the selection process. “After the general meeting, a committee was established to address these issues. We started with about seven candidates, which were later reduced to three. After a thorough screening, a report on the candidates was submitted to the Yoruba community. We did not hold an election but considered criteria such as age and character. Ultimately, the elders chose Adebayo.”
Adesina also praised Adebayo’s longstanding commitment to the community: “He has been a pioneer in managing the community for about 35 years. Many of the Yoruba elders who began with him have returned home or passed away.”
Governor sacks Rivers Traditional Council Chairman
Meanwhile, Legit earlier reported that Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State sacked Eze Sergeant Chidi Awuse as the chairman of the supreme council of traditional rulers council.
As reported by The Nation, Fubara announced the paramount ruler of Apara kingdom in Obio/Akpor local government area (LGA) of the state, Eze Chike Worlu Wodonas the new chairman.