Iya Oje in Surulere LG gets brand new monarch, unveils plans
Yinka ADETUNJI
Iya-Oje in Surulere local government area of Ogbomoso zone, Oyo state, Tuesday, November 8, got a brand new traditional ruler.
The new Iba Iya Oje, Oba Nathaniel Adekunle Ogunlade Oyeleye II, is coming on the ancient throne 2 years 10 months after the last monarch, Iba Joseph Oyetunji Oyesunle II passed away (on January 13, 2021). Iba Oyesunle had spent 12 years on the throne having been installed on April 4, 2008.
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The new traditional ruler was installed by the kingmakers of the town in a programme witnessed by many ecstatic members of the royal families, indigenes and residents.
From the Olode ruling house, he contested the stool with three other princes before emerging the choice of the kingmakers. The three other ruling houses are Elegbodo, Aireke and Ode.
The Iba Chieftaincy is one of the 48 recently approved by the Oyo state governor Engr. Seyi Makinde recently.
Speaking with newsmen, Iba Ogunlade described the event as a memorable one saying he is ”extremely happy about his ascension.”
He further stated, “It is like I have never experienced joy in my life, it is something wondrous happening. I am sure it is God’s promise coming to fulfillment, I never thought I will be Oba. I never dreamt it but when God gives you grace it is established.”
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“Iba Iya Oje chieftaincy has four ruling houses which are Elegbodo, Aireke, Ode and Olode. I am from Olode ruling house. Four of us vied for the stool. In a royal house we have many princes but only one person can ascend to the stool. Whoever is crowned should be supported.”
The forty something year old Oba who runs a chemist shop discloses he will work assiduously to uplift his domain while calling on the cooperation and support of his people home and abroad.
He mentioned improvement in electricity supply, siting of industries, construction of telecommunication base stations, improved security service, health centres and so on as some of the goals he has set for himself.
“We have many plans, as an instance, to improve electricity supply in Iyaoje, in fact I have been doing this before I came on the throne. Electricity supply in the last few years is bad and so we need to improve the supply. We will put in more efforts and so, I appeal to the government to assist us in this area.
“Also, we need telecommunication masts to be erected in Iya Oje because of the stress we undergo in getting network, you see our people running on hilly areas and so on to get good connection when trying to make or receive calls.
“We as well need to improve our security situation, we appeal for a police post. Also, health centre, Governor Makinde has even helped to build one health clinic, but work has stopped since it got to the roofing stage, we beg them to complete the health centre.
“I call on Iya Oje people, home and in the diaspora to return home to establish industries. I appeal to them to extend their hand of cooperation to uplift the community. Together, we can make Iya Oje a better place.”
His Royal Highness Iba Oyeleye II subsequently expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for approving his nomination.
This is as he thanked the Oyo State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin a.k.a. Sanjay and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao Akinbola I, for their support.
