TO ALL ÌJÈSÀ SONS AND DAUGHTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD: MALICE TOWARDS NONE, CHARITY FOR ALL...By Bóbagúnwà Rèmí Oyèyemí

"With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in...."

- President Abraham Lincoln in his Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865

The recently concluded selection of a new Owá Obòkun Àdìmúlà of Ìjèsà land has been controversial and contentious. From several quarters, many views have been expressed. Passion flew in all directions. The ardor was discernible. The fervour was finicky and fastidious. There was excitement and resentment. There was zeal and rage. It was intense from all sides.

Dr. Charles Diji Akinola had underscored that for anything that is great and good, there would always be serious competition. He noted that no one would contest for anything that is unworthy. He expressed the hope that all the contestants and their supporters would recognise this and have peace for Ìjèsà land at the back of their minds.

Two persons could not win a contest. Only ONE would. The manner in which the process was conducted by the powers that be was the sore point for many, even for some of the supporters of the eventual winner. But it is important that we all move past that now.

It is self-evident that there is much love for our land, the Ìjèsà land. The land of our birth. Our heritage. The source of our uniqueness. The land that defines our identity. The land that exemplifies our essence and all we are known by. Ìjèsà land, the only authentic paradise on the surface of the earth. There is no question that the Ìjèsà are very patriotic and that is why we must exude mutual respect for whatever view that may be different. *Gbogbo wa kò leè sùn ká k'orí sí ibì kan náà.*

The objectification of Ìjèsà land is inevitable. It is irresistible. Ìjèsà land in our psyche has a special place. This is the reason we must always seek its greatness, its peace, progress and unity, regardless of our differences. We must always come together to push Ìjèsà land forward.

It is to this end that I acknowledge the efforts of all the peacemakers who kept calling all the aggrieved parties and assuaging their disappointment. All the leaders that are concerned about the unity of Ìjèsà land. Their wisdom and perspectives have been rewarding. Their circumspection have been valuable. Their counselling have been illuminating. There is a well of appreciation for their efforts.

One could not but give special mention to Asíwájú Yinka Fasuyi for his leadership role. His stance of neutrality in the whole process was the right one. When he was being pressured to make some compromise to attend the staff presentation ceremony, the driving factor was the unity and progress of Ìjèsà land. So much efforts have been put in to rebuild Ìjèsà unity and it should not be allowed to falter.

Like our auntie Erelu Olusola Obada once observed, the making of Olayinka Fasuyi as the Asíwájú of Ìjèsà land was the best decision that the late Owá Obòkun Àdìmúlà of Ìjèsà land, HRM, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran ever made in his tenure. Her observation has proved to be very correct and unassailable. The respect and rejuvenation that Ìjèsà land has witnessed is global.

Asíwájú Fasuyi has engendered belief in Ìjèsà land. Trust and confidence in our land have been given rebirth. Our patriotism was reawakened. Our love for Ìjèsà land has been rekindled. He has re-ignited new hope for Ìjèsà land by his open and accountable leadership. His integrity in the leadership of Ìjèsà land is inebriating. May the Alálès continue to strengthen him. May Elédùwà continue to guard, guide and glitter his paths. Àse.

Great thanks go to our dear Ègbón, Sir Obi Daramola for his wonderful piece that speaks to peace and unity of Ìjèsà land. May Elédùwà, the God of our forefathers, continue to strengthen you sir.

One must also acknowledge the balance perspective of Dr. Oladimeji Alo at all times. His interventions were quintessential moderation and objectivity permeated by deep intellect. If anyone is looking for a radiation of love for Ìjèsà land, he exemplifies it. May Elédùwà continue to enlarge your coast sir.

To my Ègbón, Mr. Dosu Gidigbi and my darling sister, my lord, Justice Adedotun Onibokun (nee Ògúnmókùn) a true princess of peace, thank you so much for your efforts. May the Alálès reward your efforts. Àse.

To our father, the Sawe of Ilésà, Chief Akin Akinola who recognised the importance of unity in Ìjèsà land thank you sir for your wisdom sir. I witnessed your coordination of a beautiful letter of congratulations to our new Kábìyèsí with the help of our brother, Hon. Dosu Babatunde. May Elédùwà continue to strengthen you sirs.

To the new Owá Obòkun Àdìmúlà of Ìjèsà land, HRM Oba Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, congratulations, sir. May your reign be peaceful and progressive. May it be a resounding blessing to Ìjèsà land. Also, Kábìyèsí's behind the scene efforts to reconcile with other contestants are highly appreciated. That is the hallmark of a true leader.

Adé á pé l'órí o

Bàtà á pé l'ésè

Àkún á pé l'órùn

Irùkèrè yíò d'okinni

Esin Oba yíò je oko pé títí.

Àse Èdùmàrè.

In the interest of Ìjèsà land, we must try everything to adhere to President Abraham Lincoln's appeal which I have modified as follows:

With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the Ìjèsà land wounds, to care for the sensitivities of those who did not lose but have not won ~ to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all peoples.

Like Barr. Dayo Ashaolu's refrain, "Gbogbo ria l'Owá.

May Elédùwà bless Ìjèsà land abundantly. Àse.