Miners Association National President Dele Ayanleke becomes Onibise of Komu following his formal installation and presentation of the staff of office at a colourful ceremony attended by traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and prominent indigenes.
The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke Elegbede, was installed as His Royal Majesty, the Onibise of Komu, marking a significant moment for the ancient Oyo State town and its people.
Ace reporter, Kaseem Jenrade, files in that the coronation and presentation of the staff of office were conducted by the Director of the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The epoch-making event attracted dignitaries from different parts of Nigeria, as well as traditional rulers, political stakeholders, government functionaries and eminent sons and daughters of Komu, both at home and abroad.
Oyo Government Presents Staff of Office
While congratulating Oba Ayanleke and the entire people of Komu on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Otunba Ojo Ademola, Mr Kola Abiola said the occasion went beyond the celebration of the ascension of a new monarch.
Abiola described the installation as a reaffirmation of Yoruba culture and heritage, as well as enduring traditional values centred on peace, unity and sustainable development.
He said the traditional institution remained one of the strongest pillars of society, with traditional rulers serving as custodians of Yoruba culture, customs and traditions.
Traditional Rulers as Partners in Development
The ministry director stressed that traditional rulers were indispensable partners in promoting peaceful coexistence, managing conflicts, preserving cultural identity and supporting or complementing government policies at the grassroots.
Abiola also emphasised Governor Makinde’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution by ensuring that processes for selecting and installing traditional rulers remained transparent, lawful and free from undue influence or interference.
While commending the governor for giving the traditional institution honour and dignity, Abiola charged the new Onibise of Komu to regard his ascension to the throne of his forefathers as a call to service with enormous responsibilities.
He urged Oba Ayanleke to be a father to the entire people of Komu irrespective of their political, religious or social affiliations.
The director further encouraged the monarch to work in tandem with the state government in order to achieve accelerated development across his domain.
Itesiwaju Council Chairman Congratulates New Monarch
The Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon Ojo Monsuru Olayemi, also congratulated Oba Ayanleke and Governor Makinde on the occasion.
Olayemi commended the Oyo State Government for its developmental programmes and infrastructural projects across Oke Ogun and the state at large.
He specifically appreciated Governor Makinde for the rehabilitation of the Okaka, Otu, Igbojaye, Komu and Babaode ongoing road project.
The council chairman urged residents of Itesiwaju Local Government to appreciate the government’s intervention and support efforts aimed at promoting development in the area.
Traditional Rulers Call for Unity
In separate remarks, the Sabigana of Iganna Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Soliu Azeez Oyemonla Agunloye; the Oniro of Komu, His Royal Majesty Oba Jonah Awujoola Olagboyega Kolade II; and the Onigbope of Igbope, His Royal Majesty Oba Moses Olawale Oyetola, called for unity, love and peaceful coexistence among the people of Komu Land.
The monarchs admonished the new Onibise of Komu to regard his ascension as a challenge and a call to serve the people.
They also urged residents of Komu to cooperate with the monarch in the pursuit of unprecedented development and transformation in the ancient town.
The Sabigana further charged Governor Makinde to assist in the elevation of other traditional rulers awaiting their own recognition and advancement.
Leaders Praise Oba Ayanleke
Former Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon Adisa Olarinre, Surveyor Dasola Adefabi Fadiran, Hon Ajayi Taiwo, Barrister Leke Oladeji and Engineer Adeniran Ajibade also sent goodwill messages to the newly installed monarch.
They congratulated Oba Ayanleke and the people of Komu while commending Governor Makinde for the confirmation and approval of the Onibise’s installation.
The leaders separately urged the people of the ancient town to work assiduously for the growth and development of their homeland.
While speaking about the mineral and natural resources found in Komu, Ajayi Taiwo, Adisa Olarinre and Surveyor Dasola Fadiran unanimously called on the people to demonstrate uncommon love, unity and unwavering commitment to the development of their land.
Oladeji and Ajibade described the ascension of the Onibise of Komu as a gift and blessing from God to the people of the community.
They described the monarch as a man of repute with national standing and international recognition through his involvement in the mining industry.
The duo urged the people of Komu to unite and foster harmonious relationships for the overall development of the ancient town.
Miners Association Leader Celebrates New Onibise
The Waziri of Wawa Kingdom in Niger State, Muhammad Abdul Razak Abu Musa Yusuf, who is also Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, congratulated Oba Ayanleke on his installation.
He described the monarch as a man of many accomplishments and responsibilities who should be reckoned with.
Yusuf also praised the Yoruba traditional institution for its rich culture and traditions and urged the people of Komu to support their new monarch.
He said such support would enable Oba Ayanleke to deploy his wealth of experience towards accelerating development within his domain.
Who Is Oba Dele Ayanleke Elegbede?
Oba Ayandele Olaitan Oyebisi Ayanleke was born in March 1961 to the late Mogaji Tijanni Ayanleke Elegbede of the Baale Onibise Folarin Ruling House, Ibise, Komu, and Madam Aishat Oyenihun Ayinbo Ayanleke, née Olaogun of Alaago Compound, Ilesan, Komu.
He attended elementary and secondary schools in Komu before advancing his education and obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Ilorin.
Ayanleke later established himself within Nigeria’s mining industry, beginning his leadership journey in the Miners Association of Nigeria as Assistant Secretary of the Oyo State Chapter in 2005.
He subsequently rose to the position of National Secretary of the association in 2014 before eventually becoming its National President.
His leadership of the Miners Association of Nigeria has given him a prominent position within Nigeria’s mining ecosystem, while his installation as the Onibise of Komu now places him in a traditional leadership role within his ancestral community.
His emergence therefore brings together his experience in the mining sector and his new responsibilities as custodian of the traditions and interests of the people of Komu.
Coronation Celebrates Yoruba Culture
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the people of Komu and their guests to celebrate Yoruba cultural heritage.
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The highlights of the event included traditional dances performed by different cultural troupes, adding colour and cultural significance to the coronation.
The presentation of the staff of office formally marked Oba Ayanleke’s assumption of the Onibise throne and the beginning of his responsibilities as traditional ruler of Komu.
The ceremony, according to Kaseem Jenrade, brought together the traditional institution, government representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders in a celebration that underscored the importance of culture, unity and community development.
