The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, has been honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Oba of Mopa Land by His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman of the Mopamuro Local Government Area Traditional Council.
The conferment ceremony, which was held in Mopa, brought together a host of dignitaries, including royal fathers, political leaders, and community leaders from within and outside the state to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dr. Ayoade.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara commended the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun for using his position to unite the people and preserve the culture of the community.
He expressed appreciation to the Elulu of Mopa for conferring the esteemed title Yeye Oba of Mopa Land on Dr. Ayoade.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Mopa and the entire Okun land to foster peace, progress, and prosperity for all.
Governor Ododo prayed for Dr. Ayoade’s continued success in her new role, wishing her God’s guidance and wisdom as she continues to serves as a role model for women in leadership.
Speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), praised Dr. Ayoade for her outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Kogi State.
The Ooni who described Dr Ayoade as a woman of substance, acknowledged her efforts in the development of Okun land and contributions to governance in Kogi state and Nigeria.
The Ooni offered prayers for her continued success and guidance in her new role as Yeye Oba of Mopa Land.
Reflecting on the deep historical ties between the Yorubas and the Okuns in Kogi State, the Ooni emphasized the shared heritage between the people of Ile Ife and the Okun people.
“Coming to Okun Land today, we are Yoruba-speaking people. I am part of the Okun people today, and I am happy to be home because this is an extension of Oduduwa. The boundary between us is artificial, it is not natural. Okuns are Yoruba people from Ife; they migrated majorly from Ife, like everyone who migrated from there did,” the Ooni said.
He expressed joy at being part of the occasion, praying for unity and prosperity for the people of Okun land and Kogi State in general.
In his remarks, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa, also commended Dr. Ayoade for her exemplary leadership and service to her people, encouraging her to continue her impactful work in building a stronger community.
He described the newly crowned Yeye Oba as a role model for women in leadership, highlighting her achievements and commitment to the growth of the state.
The event attracted an array of traditional rulers and political leaders, including the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Ata of Igala, the Ohinoyi of Egbiraland and other traditional rulers, commissioners and other senior officials of the Kogi State government as they turned out to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and unity of the Okun people.
