Oro Stands Still For First Asiwaju Of Oro Kingdom, Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan

By Saeed Tijjani

The ancient town of Oro yesterday, Saturday stood still when the new and first-ever Asiwaju-Elect, Retired Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan, entered the town for the commencement of his installation processes.

The good people of the town both young and old took to major streets leading to the palace of Oloro of Oro Kingdom in Okerimi Oro to witness the installation ceremony of the lucky man who will be their first-ever Asiwaju in history.

The event witnessed a colorful and mind-blowing turnout as the convoy of the new Asiwaju snaked through Iludun-Oro, Sabo Oke, Oke-Ola Oro, and Okerimi Oro axis of the town where people lined up the streets heading towards the palace to welcome the new Asiwaju.

‎The installation ceremony followed the approval of the appointment of the new and first-ever Asiwaju by the Oro Council of Chiefs and the Oloro of Oro Kingdom after the completion of the selection process by the committee.

The Asiwaju-elect, in his black jeep with his two beautiful wives, was seen escorted to the palace by men of the Nigerian forces, the moment he arrived at the palace's open space he walked around to acknowledge the personalities on the high table while raising his fist to acknowledge the cheers from the people of the town.

The colorful event with rich cultural display had in attendance top religious Leaders like the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir, Mallami Ubandoma Of Ilorin, Sheikh Sholagberu, and other religious leaders from the Christianity and traditional believers.

 

The Oro Council of Chiefs formally presented him to the Oloro of Oro Kingdom as the chosen one who is best fit to be the Asiwaju of the Kingdom following his wide acceptability by the people.

The Oro Descendants Union also affirmed and reiterates the same to His Royal Majesty, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba AbdulRafiu Ajiboye Oyelaran 1 while adding that the installation of Retired Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan as Asiwaju will mark the beginning of a new era in the Kingdom.

He was later installed and crowned by the Council of Chiefs led by the Oloro of Oro.

The installation ceremony was followed by the symbolic traditional decoration of Asiwaju with an “Akoko” leaf by the Oloro of Oro Kingdom. He was also presented with the Staff of office which the Monarch described as a powerful instrument that will aid his reign as Asiwaju.

Traditional gunshots rented the air as traditionalists signaled the beginning of the reign of ‎the new and first-ever Asiwaju of Oro thus signaling the official installation of Retired Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan as the first Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom.

Asiwaju Bayo Azeez Afolayan, after the installation ceremony was led by well-wishers, religious leaders, and family members to his maternal house just a few steps from the palace of Oloro of Oro which seems to be his Orisun (his mother's house) where his late mother was particularly buried to seek for blessing while praying for GOD to repose her soul.

Speaking at the installation ceremony, the representative of the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Hon. Otunba Biodun Ajiboye (Muwagun of Oro Kingdom) who's also a top ally of the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu commends the effort of the Oloro of Oro Kingdom and the council of Chiefs towards the success of the historical moment while admonishing the new Asiwaju to be steadfast in discharging his duties.

A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Samuel Olajide Afolayan described Saturday as a historical day in the ancient town while noting that the installation of Retired Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan is a confirmation of his good Leadership traits from his Youthful age.

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir also added that Retired Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeez Bayo Afolayan is a known person to him who truly deserves the Asiwaju title. He's a firm believer of Allah who always thrives to do his best in pleasing Allah, the Imam added.

Among other dignitaries at the installation ceremony included, the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, Chief Raheem Adebayo Adedoyin, New Grand Khadi of Ilorin, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, Asiwaju of Osi Land, Elesie of Esie, Olosi of Osi, Founder of the popular Essgee Hotels, Adedayo Adesola Samuel Olumuyiwa (newly elected Member, Apapa Federal Constituency in Lagos State) among others.