Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman of the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local council Development Area, Builder Sesan Daini, traditional chiefs and residents of Igbogbo Kingdom have described the new Iyalode of Igbogbo, Chief (Mrs) Karimot Jokotade Ojikutu (Nee Idowu) as a capable person who will lead the womenfolk in the ancient town in the right direction.
The new Iyalode was installed on Sunday, February 14, 2021, by the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, to replace the former Iyalode, Mrs Adebisi Fanuga who was deposed by the monarch for incompetence.
Since her installation, chieftains and residents of Igbogbo have been applauding the choice of Mrs Ojikutu as the head of women in the kingdom. The applaud climaxed at the seventh day traditional ceremony of her installation where Likas (guardian angels) and chiefs took turn to dance to traditional royal drums (Gbedu drums) in celebration of the new Iyalode.
The well attended event was held at the family house of the new chief along Igbogbo-Ipakodo road.
The height of the event was when the new Iyalode, guarded and guided by the palace aides, stormed the dance floor to dance to the gbedu drums.
Meanwhile, Builder Sesan Daini, the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Chairman, speaking with THE IMPACT at the ceremony, described the new Iyalode as courageous and a good community leader who is deserving of the highly sought after traditional position.
He pledged to work with her in charting a new cause for womenfolk in Igbogbo.
“I am happy for her. She’s a courageous woman and deserve the position. She’s a popular woman in the town and with what we know about her, she has the charisma and what it takes to carry the entire womenfolk in Igbogbo kingdom along” the Council Chairman said.
“She is my aunt and I am happy to be here today to celebrate her. For me, she is a plus to Igbogbo kingdom and we will laugh at the end.
“The truth is that she has been giving total support and mobilisation to women development, in the entire kingdom before she became the Iyalode. All I think that I need to do is to see how we can work with her in promoting her vision for women”.
High Chief Tajudeen Alade Duduyemi Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo, said that the ancient kingdom is lucky to have the new chief in the exalted position to lead the womenfolk.
“We are very lucky and grateful to have this kind of woman as the new Iyalode of Igbogbo Kingdom. We have been expecting such a good occupant for the position a very long time, but today, we are very happy.
“The Kabiyesi , Oba – in – Council and the entire community are very happy about the development.
“She will be the head of the womenfolk in the entire Igbogbo Kingdom. Women now have leader through whom they can chart their cause in Igbogbo”.
Another senior traditional chieftain, High Chief Ayobami Olanrewaju Obayomi, the Otunba of Igbogbo Kingdom, said that the new Iyalode is a popular choice and has the capacity to champion the cause of women and move the community forwards.
“We have been long – awaiting to install a capable hand in this position and today, we have a vibrant and young woman who will represent women in the kingdom in all ramifications.
“The Kabiyesi, Oba – in – Council and entire people in the kingdom are very happy for the choice of this young, articulate, educated and elegant woman as Iyalode”.
High Chief Abdul – Jelili Adeshola Oduntan, the Balogun of Igbogbo, while sstating that market women form the integral part of those that the new Iyalode will lead, said that she is capable and will discharge her responsibilities as expected.
“Iyaode, being the head of women in the community, is very close to the Balogun. Both work hand – in – hand.
“The position is very significant because all the market women are under her. It is a very important position and the new occupant is very capable”.
Most of the family members of the new Iyalode and residents that attended the ceremony also attested to her ability and capability to discharge her duties responsibly.
