By Ayodele Abere
2023 Iyin-Ekiti Day celebration, held on Saturday 4th November, has come and gone but tremendous success of the Day can never be forgotten in a hurry as it remains almost the best so far when compared to the previous ones because it brought together the entire indigenes of the ancient town.
Addressing journalists, the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja and the Senate Leader of the 10th Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the
Day has spoken out so loudly and that the only way to enhance development in a community is to have peace and unity.
“Why it is significant that this programme held today is because it hasn’t held in four years. One, there’s a period of transition between the former traditional ruler through a regency to the new traditional ruler and after that, there was the issue that needed to be sorted out. Thank God that we are now back together.
“This town comprises of four different quarters, we have Iro, Oketoro, Ibedo-Iyin and Okelawe quarters. We are glad that today, we are not talking of Okelawe -Ekiti, and we are not talking of Oketoro -Ekiti, Iro-Ekiti or Ibedo-Iyin -Ekiti. We are talking of Iyin-Ekiti.
“It took us a while to get here but am glad that the differences had been resolved and we are all back together. It was also managed so well in a way that nobody could even think that any misunderstanding was going on within the community. We give God the glory.
“Today’s event was a celebration of our unity and the celebration of the strengthening of our union as a community and I thank all of you for being patient with us and for participating. Definitely, we are back hitting the ground running”. The distinguished Senator remarked.
The Iyin-Ekiti born Senator who noted that community development is about trying to make some commitment that could enhance the living standards of the people opined that, the life of the people cannot be the same and that the life of a community cannot be the same as well.
He said that people have their individual lives but the community has its own life as an entity, adding that you don’t talk of a community without talking of its people saying the illustrious sons and daughters of Iyin-Ekiti and their friends from around the country came together to celebrate the Day.
“For me, it’s part of a way of giving back to the system and today, am glad that I have been able to mobilize my friends as launchers in various categories and it has been a success story”.
Earlier, in a separate interview with the Traditional Ruler of the town, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeniyi Adeola Ajakaiye, Oyinyosaiye Uyin III, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom said he’s expecting a greater Iyin from the celebration, that’s how it would have positive effects on the town and its people in general.
According to the monarch, we have a lot of potentials we want to harness together so that we can make our community better.
“We have visited a lot of places, tourist attractions that we need to project to the world, to bring tourists to Ekiti, to enhance the development of our town and we are putting up a strategic plan on how to develop the town.
“Iyin used to be the best planned town in the old western region and we want to continue this legacy. Oluyin said.
Having conferred chieftaincy titles on some deserving personalities as part of the activities for the day, the Traditional Ruler of Iyin-Ekiti, advised the new Chiefs to be more committed to humanity especially, Iyin Ekiti, to see to the peace and progress of Iyin Ekiti at all times.
The monarch said before they could be distinguished and conferred with a chieftaincy titles, it means they must have had some elements that distinguish them out to be recognised saying they must have contributed to the wellbeing of humanity.”They now have higher Responsibilities”. Oluyin added.
One of the title holders, Chief Nathaniel Tolulope Dosunu, a Civil Engineer and a philanthropist to the core who was installed as Otunba and the wife, Chief Mrs Idowu Dosumu as Erelu of Iyin-Ekiti, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Elder Wole Adedeji said, before somebody that is not from Ekiti State, could be considered for the honour it shows that he has been part of progress in the area.
The veteran journalist said Chief Dosumu has has been helpful to people in need around Ekiti and that the people of Iyin Ekiti should not expect anything less from him.
“This is the second Otunba title he has got as he is also Otunba in Egba land. He has been doing it before and now that he has been made part of the system, Iyin people should expect very much more”. Elder Adedeji stated.
Another title holder, the Otunba Gbobaniyi of Iyin Kingdom, Chief Olusegun Adeyemi, a media consultant, who was highly excited about the recognition given to him by his people said, it’s a great honour.
In his word, “anytime your community honours you, it’s a big thing and it’s also a call to service.
He therefore pledged to continue doing what he has been doing that earned him the title.
The occasion was well graced by dignitaries from all walks of life.
