By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on traditional rulers to deepen unity among their ranks even as he spoke on his plans for the agricultural sector.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru made the call at the coronation of the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke as the Erelu Soludero of Erinmo-Ijesa.
The paramount ruler of Erinmo-Ijesa land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Odunayo Michael Ajayi, Arowotawaya II as part of the activities to celebrate his 10th Coronation Anniversary, had this Saturday conferred the prestigious title on Mrs Adeleke who was already the Erelu Soludero of Oke Ila in Ifedayo Local Government area of the state.
Governor Adeleke expressed heartfelt appreciation to his royal highness for conferring this prestigious title on his wife, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, adding that “This is an open demonstration of affection and love for my family and the entire Adeleke dynasty.
“I must congratulate my dear wife for this honour conferred on her and the family. This chieftaincy title symbolizes the sustained efforts of our government and the Adeleke family to bring succor to the people of the state. I thank Kabiyesi for honoring my wife. This will propel us to do more for the people of Osun state”, the Governor posited.
While congratulating the royal father, Oba Arowotawaya 11, on his 10th coronation anniversary, the governor used the opportunity to affirm the importance of royal institutions, submitting that “ the contributions of our royal institutions to communal and state development cannot be brushed aside.
“In the turbulent art of governance, our royal fathers provide invaluable counseling and moral support which steadied the ship of state and facilitated good governance.
“I must however plead with our royal fathers to revive and deepen the old spirit of unity across the traditional councils. We must avoid actions and inactions that breed disunity and fragmentation.
On state governance , Governor Adeleke told the gathering that his government is implementing several initiatives in the agricultural sector.
According to the Governor , “We are specifically pursuing expansion of activities within such sub-sectors as cocoa, cashew and rice value chains. We will support provisions of facilities for paddy rice processing as well as further incentives for farmers in that sector.
“In the next few days, our government will be unveiling and distributing several farm equipment and inputs including tractors, fertilizers and seedlings. This is a golden era for our farmers. We are determined to raise Osun into an agro-industrial state with excellent infrastructure for economic sustainability”, Governor Adeleke narrated.
Responding to the coronation, Erelu Ngozi expressed appreciation to the royal father and the entire people of Erinmo-Ijesa, pledging to “redouble her efforts towards development of the ancient town and realization of the aspirations of the young and the old in the state.
“I will push ahead with a vision of an Osun State where every citizen is empowered, embraced, and equipped to reach their full potential. I envision a future where compassion, integrity, and innovation drive our efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all.
“Together, we will champion education, healthcare, and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind. With unity and determination, I will build a legacy of resilience, prosperity, and hope for generations to come”, the new Erelu told the gathering.
Erelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke founded the Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing healthcare services, food aid, and education to those in need.
She is affectionately known as “Mummy Triplets” for her unwavering commitment to supporting families blessed with twins and triplets in Osun state. Through her foundation, she is providing care, support, and financial assistance to four sets of triplets and three sets of twins and still counting.
The Erelu has earned many honours and awards in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to the well being of children, women and less privileged members of the society.
The event was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye and his wife, members of the State Executive Council, Hon Ibukun Fadipe, Chief Imam of Erinmo-Ijesa, Shiek Al-Imam Qoseem Muhammadu L awwal, Christian leaders, traditional rulers from far and near, business mogul from across the country as well as Chiefs and other dignitaries from home and abroad.