The race towards the selection of a new Owa Obokun is gradually gaining momentum as the Arimoro lineage of Idi-Ayan in Egbe-Idi Quarters in Ilesa publicly presented a young Prince Kayode Michael Adewale Arimoro as the candidate for ratification by the kingmakers at a press conference that took place at Rehoboth Resort Garden, Bonke area off Ijebujesa road on Thursday.
While addressing press men, the Global Coordinator of the Arimoro lineage within Bilaro Oluodo Dynasty, Sir (Prince). Adegoke 'Dire Arimoro remarked that in the recent history of the family, it was the first time a special program is organized to amplify the legacy of the linage's great patriarch, Prince Farotimi Okunade, who was a direct son of Owa Ofokutu, the 27th Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, himself being a direct son of Owa Bilaro Oluodo, the 12th Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
Declaring his intention to become the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, young Prince Kayode Michael Adewale Arimoro claimed that he had graced the earth many times.
'The last time I graced this earth, I was a Prince and warrior constantly fighting to ensure our territorial integrity and sovereignty. At that time, years after the Kiriji war, in my early 90s, I was asked to be the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland which I declined due to my age."
Running through history dated back to 128 years ago, Prince Adewale Arimoro declared that he also declined due to pressure from the Ijesa elitist class from Lagos who agitated for an educated and widely travelled Owa Obokun.
"Then, I happily put my support behind my kith and kins whom I believed had the quality the people of Ijesaland wanted.
"This time my fight is for the vulnerable and maximizing the God's given potentials of Ijesaland and its people. I am young, well travelled and enlightened." He said
In a statement before press men on Thursday, Prince Kayode Micheal Arimoro, a serial entrepreneur, strategic negotiator, Author and also a Cyber Security Expert who is currently in the process of completing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Regent University, Virginia, USA presented six (6) Key Pillars of His Vision that encompasses, Technological Advancement for Sustainable Growth, Youth Sports Development as a Cornerstone of Empowerment, Strategic Positioning of Women for Sustainable Development, Uplifting Retired Citizens, Standardization of Gold Mining and Land Reclamation and Enhancing Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Commenting on why he is seeking the sacred mantle of leadership as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland Prince Adewale Arimoro said he is driven by a genuine desire to serve.
"My ancestors, the Owa Obokun, ruled with wisdom, compassion, and foresight. It is my deep conviction that I am prepared to continue this legacy, but with a renewed focus on the future.
"I am running because I believe in the greatness of Ijeshaland. I know that our people are hardworking, innovative, and resilient. We have the potential to become a model of progress in Nigeria and beyond. But to unlock this potential, we need a leader who understands our challenges and the vision to create lasting solutions."
The press conference that was directed by Mr Olusola Oni, a veteran journalist and Public Relation consultant, who was assisted by Mrs Motunrayo Olalere aka Yeyeara of Uniq FM, Ilesa had in attendance key members of Arimoro lineage, friends and acquaintances of the family.
Notable dignitaries present included, Chief Adebisi Ajijedidun Arimoro, Hon Remi Bakare, Chief Yemi Ogundipe, Chief Akintunde Ogunfua, Prince Moses Arimoro, Princess Sola Adeyemi nee Arimoro, Princess Dolapo Ayeni nee Arimoro, Mrs Adejoke Arimoro and Prince Adewale Michael Idowu.
More photos followed by full text of declaration statement (Coverage, script ✍️ camera 📸 credit: Oladimeji Lasore +2347035105413/ [email protected]
FULL TEXT OF DECLARATION STATEMENT BELOW:
PRINCE KAYODE MICHEAL ADEWALE ARIMORO'S PRESS CONFERENCE ON DECLARATION TO CONTEST FOR OWA OBOKUN OF IJESHALAND AND AGENDA FOR DEVELOPMENT, HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 IN ILESA, OSUN STATE
Respected Elders of Ijeshaland and my Dear People, Distinguished Guests, Our amiable Youths, Gentlemen of The Press
Today marks a historic moment for Ijeshaland as we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in our rich history. It is with great humility and honor that we gather here to witness my official declaration to seek the sacred mantle of leadership as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland.
It is with a deep sense of responsibility and a heart full of love for my people that I stand before you today, not just as a son of the soil but as a proud and committed Prince, willing to dedicate every ounce of my being to the betterment and advancement of Ijeshaland.
It may interest you All that i have graced this earth many times, each time as an Ijesha Prince. The last time I graced this earth, I was a Prince and warrior constantly fighting to ensure our territorial integrity and sovereignty.
At that time, years after the Kiriji war, in my early 90s I was asked to be the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland which I declined due to my age and pressure from Olaju Ijeshas in Lagos for an Owa who had been places and educated. I happily put my support behind one of my Kith and kins, whom I believed had the quality the people of Ijesha land wanted in our Owa Obokun. This was exactly 128 years ago.
Today, I declare my formal intention to contest for the esteemed throne of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland with a vision rooted in tradition, driven by progress, and committed to the sustainable growth and prosperity of all Ijesha people. This time around I am gracing the earth again as a Prince and Warrior.
This time my fight is for the vulnerable and maximizing the Gods given potentials of Ijeshaland and its people.
I am young, well travelled, and enlightened and I am contributing vividly to our land, Qualities that typify the kind of Owa the people want and in furtherance to the Ifa prophecy when the just ascended Owa was chosen.
For years, I have observed with great concern the challenges that our beloved land faces and the untapped opportunities. We are rich in culture, history, and resources, but it is time to channel this abundant potential towards building a brighter future. This is my solemn promise to you today: under my leadership, we will transform Ijeshaland into a beacon of progress, innovation, and unity.
Key Pillars of My Vision
1. Technological Advancement for Sustainable Growth:
In the age of rapid technological transformation, Ijeshaland cannot afford to be left behind. As your Owa Obokun, I will champion the development of a robust tech ecosystem that empowers our youth and promotes entrepreneurship. By leveraging my expertise in information technology and the global network of like minds I interact with, I will work to ensure that Ijeshaland becomes a hub for technology, innovation, and digital empowerment**, creating pathways for our children to thrive in a globalized world. This means establishing state-of-the-art training centers, encouraging tech startups, and promoting digital literacy across all sectors of our economy.
2. Youth Sports Development as a Cornerstone of Empowerment:
Our youths are our future, and we must invest in them. As an experienced Youth sports volunteer who currently serves as Director of Referee in Chelmsford, Massachusetts in the United States and FIFA Grassroots certified referee, I am committed to the development of youth sports as a vehicle for building leadership, discipline, and health among our young people. Ijeshaland has always been a land of great athletes and talents, and under my leadership, we will invest in sports infrastructure, talent scouting, and youth empowerment programs that will see our youth excel locally and globally.
3. Strategic Positioning of Women for Sustainable Development:
I believe in the immense potential of our women to drive positive change in society. The women of Ijeshaland are the backbone of our communities, yet many are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions. As Owa Obokun, I will ensure that women are strategically positioned for leadership roles in governance, business, and community development. Empowering our women will create a ripple effect of prosperity for all.
4. Uplifting Our Retired Citizens:
The elders and retirees of Ijeshaland are the custodians of our heritage. It is time we ensure that their contributions are not only remembered but rewarded. I will advocate for the upliftment of retired citizens, ensuring they have access to healthcare, social support systems, and opportunities for financial independence in their later years. The wisdom of our elders must be respected, and their well-being must be prioritized.
5. Standardization of Gold Mining and Land Reclamation:
Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations. Additionally, land reclamation efforts will be implemented to restore and protect our farmlands, ensuring that we remain a self-sustaining agricultural powerhouse.
6. Enhancing Agriculture and Animal Husbandry:
Ijeshaland has always been a land of abundance, with fertile soils and a rich tradition of farming and livestock management. I will prioritize the modernization of agriculture and animal husbandry, introducing innovations in farming techniques, irrigation, and animal health to increase productivity. Our farmers will be equipped with the resources, training, and support they need to compete in the global market, ensuring food security and economic independence for our people.
Why I Am Running?:
I stand before you not as a politician, but as a son of Ijeshaland, driven by a genuine desire to serve. My ancestors, the Owa Obokun, ruled with wisdom, compassion, and foresight. It is my deep conviction that I am prepared to continue this legacy, but with a renewed focus on the future.
I am running because I believe in the greatness of Ijeshaland. I know that our people are hardworking, innovative, and resilient. We have the potential to become a model of progress in Nigeria and beyond. But to unlock this potential, we need a leader who understands our challenges and the vision to create lasting solutions.
Today, in this place, I ask all Ijeshas listening to let me know:
What do you want to see in Ijesha land immediately, in the next 2 years, in the next 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years? Let us talk about this now, and always
We must embrace the future with boldness l, while respecting and preserving our heritage. I ask for your support, your prayers, and your trust as we begin this journey together.
Thank you, my people, for your time and attention. Let us work together to bring about the Ijeshaland of tomorrow, today. A land where every citizen has a voice, where every youth has an opportunity, and where prosperity is shared by all.
I am ready. I am committed. I am your servant.
Together, we will build a stronger Ijeshaland.
Thank you, and may God bless Ijeshaland.
For More Information, News Update, and Discussions Join KAKAKIOODUA Online Telegram Group With the Link Below:
Click Here to Join KAKAKIOODUA Telegram Platform
No comments:
Post a Comment