The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke Elegbede, has formally assumed the traditional stool of Onibise of Komu following the presentation of the instrument of office to him at a colourful ceremony that brought together traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and prominent indigenes of the community.
The coronation and presentation of the staff of office to Oba Dele Ayanleke were conducted by the Director, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
The epoch-making ceremony, which showcased the rich Yoruba culture and tradition, attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including an array of traditional rulers, political stalwarts, government functionaries, as well as eminent sons and daughters of Komu from within and outside the country.
Congratulating Oba Ayanleke and the people of Komu on behalf of Governor Makinde, the Commissioner for Local Government, Otunba Ojo Ademola, represented by Abiola, described the occasion as more than a celebration of the emergence of a new monarch.
He said it was also a celebration of the enduring strength of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Abiola stressed that the traditional institution remained one of the strongest pillars of society, with traditional rulers serving as custodians of culture, customs and traditions.
He further described Obas as indispensable custodians of cultural heritage and important agents of peaceful coexistence, noting that traditional rulers have significant roles to play in conflict management, preservation of cultural identity and the implementation of government policies at the grassroots.
According to him, the Makinde administration remained committed to strengthening traditional institutions by ensuring that the processes for the selection and installation of traditional rulers were transparent, lawful and free from undue influence or interference.
While commending Governor Makinde for giving the traditional institution the needed honour and dignity to thrive, Abiola urged Oba Ayanleke to regard his ascension to the throne of his forefathers as an opportunity to serve the people, stressing that the position came with enormous responsibilities.
He specifically charged the new Onibise to be a father to all the people of Komu, irrespective of their political, religious or social affiliations.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon. Ojo Monsuru Olayemi, congratulated Oba Ayanleke on his installation.
The council chairman commended Governor Makinde for what he described as his numerous developmental programmes and infrastructural projects across Oke-Ogun and Oyo State.
Olayemi specifically appreciated the governor for the rehabilitation of the Okaka–Otu–Igbojaye–Komu–Babaode road, saying the project would further contribute to development and connectivity in the area.
He subsequently charged the people of Itesiwaju Local Government to reciprocate the gesture by supporting Governor Makinde’s ambition of becoming President of Nigeria.
In their separate remarks, the Sabigana of Iganna Land, Oba Soliu Azeez Oyemonla Agunloye; the Oniro of Komu, Oba Jonah Awujoola Olagboyega Kolade II; and the Onigbope of Igbope, Oba Moses Olawale Oyetola, called for unity, love and peaceful coexistence among the people of Komu.
The monarchs admonished the new Onibise to regard his ascension as both a challenge and a call to serve the people, while urging the people of Komu to cooperate with the monarch in order to achieve unprecedented development and transformation in the ancient town.
The Sabigana also appealed to Governor Makinde to assist in the elevation of other traditional rulers who were waiting for their turns.
In their goodwill messages, former Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government, Hon. Adisa Olarinre; Surv. Dasola Adefabi Fadiran; Hon. Ajayi Taiwo; Barr. Leke Oladeji; and Engr. Adeniran Ajibade, congratulated Oba Ayanleke and the people of Komu on the occasion.
They equally congratulated Governor Makinde on the confirmation and installation of the Onibise of Komu.
Speaking on the mineral and natural resources abundant in Komu, Ajayi Taiwo, Adisa Olarinre and Surv. Dasola Fadiran unanimously urged the people of the community to demonstrate uncommon love, unity and unwavering commitment to the development of their land.
Oladeji and Ajibade described the ascension of Oba Ayanleke to the throne as a gift and blessing from God to the people of Komu.
They noted that the monarch was a man of great repute who had earned national honours and international recognition through his activities in the mining sector.
The duo urged the people of Komu to remain united and foster harmonious relationships for the overall development of the community.
The Waziri of Wawa Kingdom in Niger State, Muhammad Abdul Razak Abu Musa Yusuf, who is also the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, in his remarks, showered praises on the new Onibise, describing him as a man of impeccable character.
He also commended the Yoruba traditional institution for its rich culture and tradition and urged the people of Komu to support the monarch in deploying his wealth of experience towards fast-tracking development in his domain.
Oba Ayandele Olaitan Oyebisi Ayanleke was born in March 1961 to the late Mogaji Tijanni Ayanleke Elegbede of the Baale Onibise Folarin Ruling House, Ibise, Komu, and Madam Aishat Oyenihun Ayinbo Ayanleke, née Olaogun, of Alaago Compound, Ilesan, Komu.
He had his elementary and secondary education in Komu before proceeding with his education to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ilorin.
Oba Ayanleke later rose to prominence in the Nigerian mining ecosystem. He began his leadership journey within the Miners Association of Nigeria as Assistant Secretary of its Oyo State Chapter in 2005 and was subsequently elected National Secretary of the association in 2014.
His emergence as the Onibise of Komu therefore brings together his traditional responsibilities as a custodian of his people’s culture and heritage with his extensive experience in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The presentation of the staff of office marks a significant stage in his formal installation as the monarch of Komu and comes amid broad calls from traditional rulers and community leaders for unity, peaceful coexistence and collective efforts towards the development of the ancient.
Notably, reports published ahead of the installation also indicated that a petition had been submitted to the Oyo State Government challenging aspects of the selection process. Those allegations were attributed to the petitioner and should not be treated as established facts.
