The traditional rites for installing a new Lapo Ekun of Ijebu Ode have begun, with the elect, Tunde Odulaja, going into seclusion for seven days. This will culminate in a proper coronation on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.
The seclusion, which kicks off on Tuesday, October 1st, is traditionally called elite. It signals the commencement of the enthronement process for traditional rulers and high-ranking members of the Awujale council.
As the Lapo Ekun elect, Odulaja is compelled by tradition and historical antecedents to observe the ritual rites and go through the rigours of initiation before the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona can confirm on him, the rulership of the Ijasi community.
The seclusion is primarily for reflections and prayers for the Awujale and Ijebu Ode communities. Spiritual interventions will also be held for all other chiefs, Otunbas, and the good people of the Ijasi community.
Pledging that Ijasi and Ijebu-Ode would continue to thrive as a community under his reign, a visibly elated Odulaja said his vision for the people is to see Ijebus be vibrant in its commercial ventures and to see more of his people educated.
The elect also appreciated the Awujale and the community for finding him worthy of the elevated throne.
He said, „I am so glad that Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona, CFR GCON, Ogbagba, has recognised me as the next Lapo Ekun of Ijebu Ode.
It’s a title exclusively for indigenes of Ijasi. I thank God that I have been chosen to represent my people, the good people of Ijasi, Ijebu Ode,” he said.
Stressing that he would prioritise the education of the girl child, Odulaja noted that Erebus‘s secular nature was an added advantage for him and that he would use this opportunity to foster more friendship, unity, and harmony during his reign.
He said: “We have Muslims, Christians and traditionalists, and we all co-habit in peace. We will continue to strive for a peaceful co-existence amongst our people to bring meaningful development to us, the Ijebus.
“My vision of the Ijasi/Ijebu Ode community is to see Ijebus being vibrant in their commercial ventures, to see more Ijebu men educate their children, especially the girl child, and ensure that farming should again be our focus, while artisanship and skills acquisition should again be our focus for the younger generation.
“I want to see a more vibrant Ijebu Ode, where prosperity, development and progress will be our new song. We would continue to thrive as a community.
“Tradition without history does not hold water; we must first document many of our traditional values.
“As we are fast losing grip of what these traditions are, under the leadership of our revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Kabiyesi Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, a museum has been created to curate some of these traditional values and history. But we must be fast about this, as time waits for no one.
“Regarding our culture, the Ijebus are always on point; we are proud of our dress, food, working, administrative, and disease.“
The Lapo Ekun elect also stated that hunger and impoverishment exist in the country now, revealing that he would be creative and responsive to encourage the people to work harder and bring back prosperity.
“The advocacy will be on hard work and prosperity. We would also encourage individuals, our sons and daughters, with means to teach by way of CSR how to fish. We will take them back to basics, orientation, handwork and prosperity.”
On how he would engage with other traditional leaders and government officials, Lapo Ekun said that there is an existing platform to engage other conventional leaders.
He emphasised that the structure is so intact that it’s envied by the traditional councils of other areas. He will continue to foster commendable relationships, contribute his ideas on development, and go the extra mile to ensure that his decisions impact the people and their socio-economic status.
In his philosophy of leadership, Lapo Ekun said that a good leader is a good listener and that he must have an excellent vision to inspire others to follow it.
“A good leader must be honest, have a strong sense of moral responsibility, communicate effectively, and have the ability to articulate ideas clearly and foster open dialogues. Also, a good leader must be inspirational, humble, resilient, accountable and decisive.
“All of these are what I’m bringing to the table to foster peace and development of my people and to ensure that their voices are heard as a people,” he said.
However, he said his message is a beacon of hope as he is being bestowed the prestigious title of Lapo Ekun.
He said, “Our culture and heritage are rich, and this fills me with a profound responsibility to uphold the traditions and values that define us as Ijebus. I am so committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of Ijebu Ode.
“This title is a reminder of the enduring legacy of our ancestors and a call to contribute meaningfully for the betterment of our people. I pledge to honour the trust with humility, dedication and unwavering loyalty to the ijebu Ode Kingdom. Let us build a community that thrives in harmony, strength and prosperity.”
Odulaja said further that as a son of Ijasi and as their Lapo Ekun, the support required from the people will be on cultural preservation, community involvement, unity and collaboration, respect for tradition, loyalty and trust.
He then promised to ensure active participation and willingness to contribute to the shared vision, respect for authority, respect for the stool of the Awujale and the traditional leadership structure, and constructive feedback on shared ideas for continuous improvement and problem-solving.
He also promised that the community would strive to work together as a unifying force and promote prosperity, tradition, and progress for the people of Ijasi and Ijebu Ode.
“I respect traditional protocols, participate in ceremonies, maintain open communication with Kabiyesi and all other Chiefs, and show appreciation and gratitude for all their gestures. We also collaborate on initiatives; I am the Secretary General of the Ijebu Renaissance Group and the protem Secretary of the Ijebu Development Agenda as my way of giving back and appreciating my community,“ he said.