…Awujale Interregnum Council, Dagburewe, Hon. Adeleye Visit During Seclusion

The Mogoosu of Ibido-Ogbo, Prince Temitope Oyekunle Oyenuga, has successfully completed his traditional seclusion rites at Ilete/Ipodo in his hometown, Ibido-Ogbo, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Mogoosu holds the sacred responsibility of crowning the next Awujale of Ijebuland, making the stool one of great cultural and traditional significance.

Speaking with newsmen at Ilete/Ipodo in Ibido-Ogbo, Prince Oyenuga said he was elected a few months ago and has since been undergoing the traditional rites required to finalize his installation.

“Since embarking on this traditional rite, my people have stood by me with love and unity,” he said.

He described the process as part of a broader cultural revival within the community.

“We are regaining our lost culture. Having lived abroad for many years, I have seen renewed interest in our traditions. Many people are calling and showing interest in our heritage. Countries that are thriving today, like those in Southeast Asia, Japan, and China, are nations that have preserved their culture. We, at some point, lost ours to foreign influences and became confused. But what is happening in our community today shows that we are reclaiming our identity. This is who we are. It is a cultural renaissance, and I hope it transcends beyond Ibido-Ogbo to the whole of Yorubaland and Akile Ijebu,” he said.

Prince Oyenuga emphasized that his emergence was driven by a desire to serve his people and promote grassroots development.

“What you often see is rural-urban migration, but I returned with a purpose. I established a commercial vegetable farm, which is thriving and empowering our youths to build meaningful lives within the community. This has become popular among my people,” he added.

He further prayed for wisdom and unity in Ijebu-Ode as the process to elect a new Awujale continues.

“The selection of an Awujale is not ceremonial; it is a duty to the people. When the right choice is made, it inspires progress and drives the community to greater heights. I am fully aware of the responsibilities ahead,” he stated.

In the same vein, the Awujale Interregnum Council, led by Chief O. B. Okuboyejo, described the atmosphere at Ibido-Ogbo as remarkable, highlighting the richness of Ijebu customs.

“If you aspire to become an Oba, you must follow the customary process. It has been a wonderful event here in Ibido-Ogbo. I warmly congratulate the citizens on their choice of Mogoosu and urge them to cooperate with him for the development of the town,” he said.

Also speaking, the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, commended the people for their support and confidence in the new Mogoosu.

“The atmosphere speaks for itself. The people of Ibido-Ogbo have made a good choice. I urge them to continue supporting him. He is poised to serve his people diligently,” he said.

The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, described the event as historic.

“Ibido-Ogbo has long awaited this moment, and it is gratifying that it is happening in our lifetime. The Mogoosu title is highly symbolic and significant in Ijebuland, not just in Odogbolu Local Government. It plays a crucial role in the enthronement of the Awujale,” he said.

The seclusion was completed with the crowning of the new Mogoosu.