Prominent Nigerians yesterday converged on Ede, Osun State as the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, the Laminisa l, conferred the title of “Asiwaju of Edeland” on Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Among the dignitaries were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors Seyi Makinde, Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States respectively. Former governors who graced the ceremony included Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Segun Mimiko and Rasheed Ladoja of Osun, Ondo and Oyo States respectively.
Flanked by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, Oba Munirudeen Lawal conferred the Asiwaju of Edeland title on Adeleke in recognition of his contributions to the development of Edeland.
In his response after his installation, Adeleke who dedicated the title to his late father, who was until his death the Balogun of Ede and his siblings, particularly, the immediate past Asiwaju of Ede and former governor of the state, late Senator Isiaka Adeleke pledged his commitment to the development of Ede and Osun State as a whole.
“I vow to be a frontline (Asiwaju) of development and growth for Edeland and Osun State as a whole. I will carry the light of positive transformation from towns to villages and from cities to rural areas across our dear state,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State appreciated the dignitaries on behalf of his colleague, saying that Adeleke’s recognition would ignite greater responsibilities and commitment to good governance in Osun State.