History was made in Moriwi a relatively small community in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State on Wednesday 5th January, 2022 as the first monarch, HRM, Oba James Olusegun Taiwo, Oniyunku 1 received the Staff of Office as the First Alale of Moriwi Kingdom.
Moriwi, literarily meaning ‘I have a lot to tell’ is an ancient peaceful community playing host to diverse Yoruba ethnic groups of different religious backgrounds including the Fulanis.
The town has for many years been under the authority of appointed Baales.
Chairman, Coronation Planning Committee, Albert Oluyomi Kehinde in his opening address at the epoch making event appreciated God for making it possible for the people of Moriwi at home and in the diaspora to witness the coronation of the first Oba in the town.
While acknowledging the support of the royal fathers, the council of chiefs and the ‘Afobajes’ in ensuring a seamless coronation process, Chief Albert was full of appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR for graciously approving the appointment of the new Kabiyesi, HRM, Oba James Olusegun Taiwo. He was optimistic that the coronation of the new monarch will usher in prosperity and progress for the ancient town. He admonished the people to cooperate with the new Oba in ensuring rapid socio-economic development of the town.
The current Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Alhaji Chief Yaya Fadipe in his speech, told the new monarch that the coronation is a call to service and therefore, should seek and promote peace amongst the chiefs, women, youths and elders for the progress of the town. He advised the monarch to provide quality leadership and urgently extend visitation to indigenes of the town at home and in the dispora to brainstorm on the strategies for social, economic and educational development of the town.
The Council Chairman also appealed to the sons and daughters of Moriwi to co-operate with their new Oba in bringing meaningful development and also give quality advice to the king in running the affairs of the town.
After the official presentation of Staff of Office and Letter of Appointment to the new monarch, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Moruf Afolabi Afuape in his remarks noted that the euphoria surrounding the coronation ceremony showed that the new Oba enjoyed the support and acceptability of his people, the Imeko-Afon Local Government, and the Yewa traditional Council. Hon. Afuape said, “The selection and coronation of the first monarch in Moriwi had followed transparent and credible process, in strict compliance with the guidelines of the 2006 Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws”.
The Hon. Commissioner stated that the coronation of the HRM, Oba James Olusegun Taiwo has qualified him with membership of Yewa Traditional Council and as custodian of customs and traditions of Moriwi, Kaabiyesi as father of all, must be accessible, receptive and responsive to his people’s yearnings.
Honourable Afuape also reminded the new Oba that his authority does not extend beyond his domain and must not appoint bales for other smaller villages.
He also told the Kabiyesi to cooperate with other royal fathers in the zone and indeed the Ogun State Government to justify the mandate giving to him by his subjects, stressing “that it is incumbent on you, Kaabiyesi to champion any efforts that will attract local and foreign investors to Moriwi, enhance peaceful co-existence within your domain and other neighboring towns”.
HRM, Oba James Olusegun Taiwo Oniyunku 1, in his response appreciated the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, for his wisdom in ensuring that justice prevailed and the coronation became a reality after many years of siege and darkness surrounding the process of choosing a befitting Oba for Moriwi Kingdom. The new monarch assures all that he shall reciprocate the good gesture through unwavering loyalty and irrepressible commitment to the government programmes and policies aimed at building a secured future together for the people of Moriwi, Imeko-Afon Local Government and Ogun State. Kaabiyesi equally acknowledged and appreciated the efforts, supports and solidarity of the Royal Fathers of Yewaland in making his coronation a reality.
Oba Taiwo used the occasion to appeal to both the state and federal governments to facilitate the construction of Abeokuta-Imeko-Moriwi-Oke Agbede-Okuta Wasimi – Iwoye Jabata road. He added that the construction of the road will bring rapid development to Moriwi and its environs. He further calls for the establishment of tertiary institutions in the area noting that Imeko-Afon Local Government Area can hardly boast of the presence of government in this critical area of human development.
The new Kaabiyesi also encouraged all sons and daughters of Moriwiland at home and diaspora to commit themselves to the growth and development of Moriwiland, urging them to continually put their faith in God bearing in mind that with unity of purpose, the sky shall be the limit of their greatness as individuals and as a people. Oba James Olusegun also used the opportunity to invite chief executives and captains of industries in Ogun State and beyond to come and invest in, and explore the agricultural potentials of the community.
Kaabiyesi sincerely thanked the people for selecting him as the first crowed Alale of Moriwi Kingdom promising that he would preside over the affairs of the town with the fear of God, fairness, equity, justice and very high sense of responsibility.
Many dignitaries were present to witness the coronation ceremony.
They included the representative of Ogun State Executive Governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Moruf Afolabi Afuape, Permanent secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Peter Kola Fagbohun, Honorable Alhaji Jemili Akingbade, member of Ogun State House of Assembly representing Imeko-Afon Local Government, Alhaji Chief Yaya Fadipe, Executive Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, the Royal Fathers of Yewaland, sons and daughters of Moriwiland.
