Obas, Chiefs and People of Ilobi-Erinja Community in Yewa South Local Government area of Ogun State could not hide their joy on Saturday as they came out in their royal grandeur and fanfare to celebrate their two illustrious sons, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Ogun State Head of Service, Kolawole Fagbohun.
In their separate addresses, the Olobi of Ilobi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saliu Adedokun Ajibade and the Elerinja of Erinja, Oba Ebenezer Alaani Egunjobi took turn to express their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Kayode Egbetokun as the nation’s Inspector General of Police and Governor Dapo Abiodun for appointing Kolawole Fagbohun as the State’s Head of Service.
The elated traditional rulers poured encomium on Egbetokun and Fagbohun for making their communities proud and widely known for positive reasons, just as they charged them to be good ambassadors and prime-promoters of the growth and development of their community.
“I strongly appeal to both of you to use your good offices to be good ambassadors of your community and I believe that our sons and daughters will be inspired by your achievements to emulate your hard work and perseverance in their quest to also achieve success in their careers”, Oba Ajibade said.
In his address, Oba Egunjobi implored the duo to know that promotion comes with greater responsibilities and challenges which he knows and prays that God would give them the grace to overcome.
The two monarchs praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for the on-going re-construction of the Okerinja-Ilobi-Eredo Road but pleaded with him to assist in ensuring that the work is completed and commissioned soon as a way to improve on the well-being of the people of the affected communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ilobi/Erinja Coalition for Development, Chief Atinsola Amore, in his welcome address implored youths in the area to see Egbetokun and Fagbohun as exemplary role models through which they can create for themselves a glorious future worthy of celebration like the one being witnessed.
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his goodwill message sent to the Chairman of the Coalition, said he was immensely proud of the accomplishments of IGP Egbetokun and Head of Service Fagbohun for their dedication, unwavering commitment and exemplary service to the nation and Ogun State, noting that their achievements have elevated the status of Ogun State and brought honour and distinction to their respective offices.
Governor Abiodun commended the organizers of the reception and the people of Ilobi/Erinja, noting that their collective efforts have made the event possible and it reinforces the importance of community engagement in achieving shared communal goals.
In his response and appreciation for the reception, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun said he was filled with joy for the homecoming reception which has allowed him to connect again with his roots and urged the two communities to strengthen and sustain the existing bonds of unity and cooperation displayed through the organization of the reception.
He charged youths in and around the communities to avoid violence and social vices that may undermine community peace, harmony and security, calling on them to channel their energy towards productive ventures that would uplift the society.
In his response, Mr Kolawole Fagbohun expressed gratitude to the Obas, people and government officials who have come to honour him and the IGP and assured them all that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them, not only by those who appointed them but also by all the people who are looking up to them to perform to expectation and assist their communities.
In his goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle who led many Yewa Obas to grace the occasion said the Yewa people are proud of the attainment of IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Kolawole Fagbohun and called on all Yewa people to aim and work for the top in their endeavours, urging them to, however, remember to come back home and give back to their communities.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include member of the House of Representative for Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Honourable Abiodun Akinlade; the Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State of Assembly, Honourable Lateefat Ajayi; Chairman Yewa South Local Government, Alhaji Lateef Salami; Honourble Muftau Ajibola, Chief Mrs Iyabo Apampa; Honourable Fatai Olayode; Engr. Yinka Akintomide, Alhaji Alli Ajibode, Otunba Akeem Adigun; Chief Wasiu Taiwo; DIG Southwest, Abiodun Alabi, Permanent Secretaries and Senior Ogun State Government Officials, Senior Police Officers, and Prominent citizens of Ilobi/Erinja and Yewaland.
Signed: Prince Femi Dokunmu.
Chairman, Media and Publicity
