The Olowa of Igbara-Oke Kingdom, a prominent traditional ruler in Ondo State, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, Ilufemiloye, (Ogidi III) has called for continuous unity among the traditional rulers in Ondo State. The monarch who stated this when he hosted the monthly meeting of De 130 Krowns Club of Ondo State, an umbrella body of the traditional rulers in Ondo State.
He said spirit of unity and cooperation would help bring desired development to their various communities. According to him, “it gladdens my heart to always see the traditional rulers coming together to champion a common course for the development of our land and for the upliftment of our people, and I have no doubt that upliftment of people bring development to our various lands.
Oba Agbede while welcoming the monarchs into his palace at Igbara-Oke, Headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State on behalf of the Ifedore Local Government Council of Obas said he appreciated the entire members of De 130 Krowns Club for recognizing the position of Igbara-Oke and the stool of Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom in the comity of traditional rulers in the State.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the traditional rulers at upholding the traditions of their forefathers at their various domain, and commended them also for the peaceful coexistence of their subjects both the indigenes and non-indigenes residents at their domains. He ascribed their gatherings to love and unity among the Yoruba Obas, especially in Ondo State.
He said “the fact that our forefathers migrated from the same source, the origin of the largest black people in the world, and the scion of the Yoruba race, Ile-Ife, and despite our different locations, we still uphold the tradition and cultural heritage of our forefathers, and imbibe the spirit of love, oneness which engenders continuous growth of our race.”
Oba Agbede also commended the present administration, under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for recognizing the positions and roles of the traditional rulers in nation’s building and maintaining peace, unity and harmony at their various domain. He said Arakunrin Akeredolu accords respect to the traditional rulers in the state, and he sees us as the custodian of culture and traditions, and he respects that.
He said one of the ways to compliment his efforts at developing our dear Ondo State and the traditional institutions is to support him and continue to pray for his success. He also implored the traditional rulers to partner with the government on the pathway to help bring development to our dear Sunshine State, and improve the welfare of our traditional rulers and institutions.
Also speaking, the President of De 130 Krowns Club, who is also the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olusegun Akinbola said the entire De 130 Krowns Club are overwhelmed with the elaborate reception given to them at the palace of Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom. He said the whole association are so proud of Oba Agbede and they are glad be associated with him.
Oba Akinbola said membership of the association, according to their constitution is only by Instrument of Appointment Office given by the Government of Ondo State. He also said the purpose of their gathering is to continue to build on the existing unity, love and harmony among the traditional rulers in Ondo State.
He also reiterates their commitment to the programmes of the state government at ensuring deliveries of dividends of democracy to the people of the state. According to him, “we are partner in progress with the government of our amiable governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and we are solidly behind him.