Tuesday 17th September, 2024 marked the end of the 7days rites of passage for His Imperial Majesty, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun and ADIMULA of IJESALAND. This rite of passage is in line with the traditional practice of the Ijesa to appease the ancestors to grant warm welcome to the late Owa in the great beyond and also to seek the face of Eledumare in annoiting a new deserving king for the throne.
One can not but be impressed with the unity and support of all Ijesa in the celebration of life of the late Kabiyesi. This has also opened another positive chapter in the history of the throne. This has illustrat ed the fact that we are one no matter the geographical balkanization owing to creation of Local Governments.
After the rite of passage, next in line is the commencement of selection process leading to a new ascension to the throne. It is heartening that the selection of the new Owa will involve all Ijesa as many towns and villages within the kingdom are going to participate in the selection of the new Owa. Our people from Oriade, Obokun, Atakumosa and Ilesa, the headquarters of the kingdom are actively involved. This significant participation remains the umbilical cord and the very strong bond that has brought us together as one unique race.
The enviable position of the stool requires that the new Oba must be audacious and daring. He must be assertive and not be a stooge to anyone. He must be the man of the people and very accessible. Our Oba must be a man of good character and high integrity. He must have a clear and traceable pedigree.
There are four Ruling Houses for Owa Obokun. Ascension to the throne is by "turn by turn" rotation. The Ruling Houses are Bilayi Arere (just deceased),Bilaro (Ruling House next in line to produce the next Ọwa), Biladu (next to Bilaro), Bilagbayo (next to Biladu).
In the selection process,13 High Chiefs and Traditional Rulers who are the AFỌBAJẸ known as Kingmakers in Ijesaland are made up of the following categories :
(i) THE 6 MEMBERS OF AGBANLA or AGBA IJESA COUNCIL namely: -
1. Ọbaala of Ilesa
2. Ogboni of Ipole
3. Ogboni Ijebu Jesa
4. Ogboni of Ibokun
5. Ogboni of Ilesa
6. Obaodo of Ilesa (The Chief Scribe of ljesaland)
(ii.) Then we have the 4 MEMBERS OF THE ÀÀRẸ COUNCIL composed of :
7. Ọdole of Ilesa
8. Risawe of Ilesa
9. Saloro of Ilesa
10 Arapate of Ilesa
(iii) The third category is the 3 members of ĘLĘGBĘ, who are traditionally the military commanders, namely :
11. Lejoka of Ilesa
12. Loro of Ilesa
13. Lejofi of Ilesa.
In lines with ancient tradition, which is still in practice till moment, IFA plays a major role in determining the candidate and ascension of a new Oba to the throne. The selection process to such an important stool like Owa Obokun, ADIMULA of UJESALAND must follow due process to avoid unnecessary bickering and litigation. The people must remain united after the enthronement of the new Kabiyesi so all hands must be on desk to ensure hitch free nomination and subsequent selection.
In recent times, Ifa has been subjected to evaluation and the verdict was that IFA is now being influenced by money. In this wise, we need to warn IFA ahead of the selection to ensure that the consultation and revelation is genuine, authentic and reflect the choice of the people. IFA must speak faithfully, must speak posterity and goodness for the entire kingdom. IFA must touch the heart of the king makers in making a good choice for the people of Ijeshaland.
Considering the nature and achievements of his subjects in all spheres of human endeavours, the new Owa must have the intellectual capacity, the temperament and the administrative competence, we must have the tutelage to administer his kingdom.
It is not about extreme wealth but the person must have identified with our aspirations, and vision. Has he been there for us in the past? What is his focus for the future? He must be able to sustain the present developmental trends in Ijesaland. He must be experienced, bold and courageous. There is no land for any Oba to sell again so he must be a man of means and contented with whatever he has. He must be ready to grow on the throne and not wish to achieve the status of the immediate past OWA in a jiffy. He must believe in our ways of life, share our values and respect for our culture.
There are more to the throne for us than meet the eyes. It is a symbol of our unity and common heritage. The throne is not just for anybody, not just for everybody but for JUST SOMEBODY with our peculiarities.
Finally, we call on IFA to make flawless choice and touch the heart of the 13 wise-men in giving us acceptable and forward looking New Brand OWA OBOKUN ADIMULA IJESALAND.
May God continue to bless Ijesha land.
OBOKUN A GBE WA OOOO.
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