… shower him royal blessings, praises at foundation laying ceremony of Yewa Traditional Council Secretariat
Traditional rulers, prominent politicians, clerics and community stakeholders, on Tuesday, converged on the ancient town of Ilaro, headquarters of the Ogun West Senatorial District for the historic foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed ultra-modern Yewa Traditional Council (Obas’) Secretariat Complex.
The culturally significant project, facilitated by the Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, drew glowing commendations, prayers and royal blessings from traditional authorities across Yewaland, alongside leaders and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ceremony formally marked the commencement of construction of what is envisioned as a magnificent, state-of-the-art secretariat complex for the Yewa Traditional Council.
Stakeholders described the project as a major leap in institutional development and a testament to Senator Adeola’s sustained commitment to grassroots growth, cultural preservation and good governance in Yewaland.
Traditional rulers present at the event noted that the project represents a critical milestone in the promotion and safeguarding of Yewa cultural heritage.
According to them, the proposed secretariat will serve as a unifying institutional hub, strengthen traditional governance structures, enhance cohesion among royal institutions and preserve the cultural identity of the Yewa people for generations.
In his address, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Asade Agunloye IV, showered praises on Senator Adeola for his far-reaching interventions and infrastructural footprints across Yewaland and Ogun State at large.
The monarch stressed that the senator’s developmental strides have repositioned Yewaland on the map of meaningful progress, urging political actors and stakeholders to embrace unity, cooperation and political harmony.
He emphasized that such collective resolve is vital to the long-held aspiration of producing a Yewa indigene as Governor of Ogun State in 2027.
Oba Olugbenle also used the occasion to encourage residents of Yewaland and Ogun State to actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), noting that civic engagement remains the surest pathway to credible leadership in the 2027 general elections.
Adding her voice, the Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Mrs. Lateefat Bolanle Ajayi described Senator Adeola as a “unique and incomparable son of Yewaland”, whose impact transcended Ogun West to Ogun Central and East.
“We have had good sons in Yewaland, but Yayi stands out. His touch is felt in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and beyond. Charity truly begins at home. Even the blind can see and the deaf can hear. We must support him. Come 2027, we have a candidate”, she declared.
Also speaking, Imam Mohammed Tijani Jamiu, Chief Imam of Surulere Central Mosque, Ilaro-Yewa, offered fervent prayers for Senator Adeola, the royal fathers of Yewaland and the successful completion of the project.
The Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Tunde Ogunshola, described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life, noting that the project is unprecedented in scope and significance.
“This traditional council building is rare, even globally. It is being made possible through the support of the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and facilitated by Senator Adeola. When completed, it will stand as a lasting heritage of our culture and tradition”, he said.
The Ogun State Chairman of Cultural Development, Hon. Olayiwola Taiwo, described the project as a major turnaround for Ogun West, a zone he said had suffered years of infrastructural neglect.
“This is a remarkable development. Senator Adeola is truly God-sent to Yewaland”, he stated.
Royal fathers also poured encomiums on the senator. The Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo Oba Idris Olusola Lamidi Osolo thanked God, the Ogun State Government and Senator Adeola for the initiative, praying that all stakeholders would be alive and well to witness the commissioning of the complex.
Also, the Abepa of Joga-Orile, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye and the Onimeko of Imeko Oba Benjamin Olanite expressed confidence that even greater projects associated with Senator Adeola would continue to materialise.
A retired Director-General in the Ogun State Civil Service, Mr. Michael Babatunde Ajayi, likened the project to the Obas’ Complex in Abeokuta, noting that it would significantly reduce the need for monarchs in Yewaland to travel to the state capital for meetings.
“This will be the first of its kind in Yewaland. My prayer is that it will be completed in good time. Kudos to Senator Adeola, whose impact is felt across Ogun State”, he said.
Also lending their voices, the Ogun West APC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adisa, fondly called Ekwume, and other party leaders and community stakeholders described Senator Adeola’s interventions as impactful and reflective of purposeful leadership.
They highlighted his role in attracting federal presence and critical infrastructure to the region, noting the tangible socio-economic benefits being enjoyed by communities.
They called on APC members and supporters to reciprocate these gains by strengthening party structures and actively participating in voter registration and mop-up exercises, stressing that broad-based membership is key to electoral success.
Speaking with journalists, the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. M.A. Oluwarohunbi, PhD, described the project as timely and symbolic, noting that it would further enhance the role of traditional rulers in governance.
“This is a very important day in the history of Ilaro and Yewaland. From what we have seen, the proposed complex will be an ultra-modern edifice befitting our royal fathers. We thank God that this is happening at a time like this”, the Bishop said.
He commended Senator Adeola for his consistency in delivering people-oriented projects across Ogun State, adding that his initiatives often translate into tangible realities.
“We pray he will not be weary in doing good. We also pray that his future aspirations will materialise by the grace of God”, he added.
Also speaking, Imam Jamiu Adeniyi Kewulere, the Chief Imam of Bibire Central Mosque, Oke-Ola, Ilaro-Yewa, offered prayers for Senator Adeola, the monarchs of Yewaland and the success of the project.
At the peak of the ceremony, Oba Olugbenle, alongside other eminent kabiyesis, offered royal prayers and blessings for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi; and other political office holders across Ogun West and Nigeria, seeking divine wisdom, protection and success in governance.
The well-attended event drew a large and diverse audience, including revered traditional rulers from across Yewaland, political leaders, community stakeholders and religious representatives from Christianity, Islam and traditional institutions. Members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) were also prominently represented, led by their National Coordinator, Otunba AbuSatar Idowu Hamed.
The colourful ceremony climaxed with the formal laying of the foundation stone by royal fathers and distinguished dignitaries, symbolically ushering in a new chapter in the institutional development and cultural renaissance of Yewaland – a milestone many attendees described as another defining moment in Senator Adeola Yayi’s growing legacy of service and development.
