The Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has declared that integrity, proven antecedents and genuine passion for community development remain the major criteria for the conferment of chieftaincy titles in his palace, stressing that “overnight millionaires” with questionable backgrounds will not be honoured.
The monarch stated this on Friday in Ogbomoso during the installation of prominent sons of the land into various traditional chieftaincy titles, where he charged beneficiaries to see the honour as a call to service rather than a status symbol.
Among those installed were former Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Sola Adepoju, who emerged as the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland; a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief of Staff to late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Dr Saka Balogun, installed as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland; Sir Olusegun Adekunle, a retired Permanent Secretary and legal luminary, as the Ashipa of Ogbomosoland; and Rear Admiral Jacob Adekunle Ajani (Rtd), who became the Aare Mayegun of Ogbomoso.
Also installed was Chief Amos Aremu Olukayode, who received the title of Oba Segun of Ogbomosoland.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oba Olaoye cautioned that chieftaincy titles in Ogbomosoland are not for sale, noting that wealth alone is not enough to earn traditional recognition.
“Integrity and antecedents matter. An overnight millionaire cannot be honoured in my palace. Anyone who wants to be a chief must show concrete evidence of contribution to Ogbomosoland and genuine passion for the people,” the Soun declared.
While installing Dr Balogun after the completion of the traditional rites, the monarch urged him not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the palace and the people, stressing that the rites symbolise a lifelong covenant.
Oba Olaoye explained that some of the titles conferred were honorary, adding that the installation of a new Ashipa was particularly significant as the last holder of the title passed away about 10 years ago.
Justifying the choice of Prof. Adepoju as Asiwaju, the monarch recalled the professor’s unwavering support during his journey to the throne, describing him as a man of character, consistency and deep commitment to the progress of Ogbomoso.
The Soun also highlighted the spiritual importance of the Abata shrine rites performed by Dr Balogun, explaining that the seven rounds symbolised a covenant between the chief, the throne and the palace, which must be respected.
Charging the newly installed chiefs on development, Oba Olaoye said chieftaincy demands sacrifice and a willingness to go beyond personal comfort for the collective good.
“I am not the Soun of Ogbomoso North; I am the Soun of Ogbomosoland. I need people who share my vision and are ready to work to make Ogbomosoland a model town,” the monarch added.
