Obiano: Honouring A Pace-setting Nationalist

IKENNA ANIAGBOSO

Amidst the regal presence of the Obis and Obas and the beautiful, smiling faces of Lolos and Erelus, the drums rolled and hips swayed to the enthralling melodies of African music, heralding a perfect blend of African culture and tradition.

The reception, prayers, traditional rites, the cuisine, music, dance and above of all, the joy, peace and goodwill, spoke volumes about the deep lines traversing and unifying the different yet similar tribal cultures of the Igbo and Yoruba.

Tales long told of the ‘Idu na Oba’ and voiced by the revered Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and more recently by Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, gives credence to a long standing affinity between the two brothers who though torn apart by socio-political and economic forces, remain bound by the cultural and traditional ties, forged by their progenitors.

The need to revive and engage these ties cultural, traditional and social spurred many a noble man to reach across the divide and bring down the wall built over the years by disputes, intolerance, religious and political leanings and abuses hurled across the cyberspace by largely uninformed and inexperienced youths. It was in celebration of the uncommon bridge builder that the Obis and Obas converged in Ado-Ekiti.

Born in the sprawling hills and valleys of the ancient kingdom of Aguleri, but forged in the mould of such nationalists like the great Zik, Chief Obafemi Awolowo etc, Governor Willie Obiano has come to ignite a new relationship that will define a cohesive Nigeria. From a humble yet noble beginning, he has grown into a giant Iroko that offers comforting shade to many.

Over the years he had maintained both in private and public life the philosophy of hardwork, goodwill, peaceful coexistence, prudence and charity. He has also built bridges. It was therefore not a surprise that he was nominated for conferment of a chieftaincy title by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe (Aladesanmi 111) Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and his council members.

Interestingly, the nomination and conferment did not come by the toss of a coin. It was the result of a conscious search. In many a culture, both African and Western, candidates are nominated for honorific titles in recognition of their contributions to humanity or for outstanding achievements in any field of endeavour. It was not different in Ado-Ekiti – the nascent Yoruba kingdom with rich cultural heritage and traditions, impressive agricultural profile and academic excellence. Ado -Ekiti which is the seat of the government in the state is about the state with the highest number of Professors in the country thus earning for itself the befitting sobriquet – the Fountain of Knowledge.

It was from this enduring traditional and academic legacy that the nomination came due. With the standard of assessing the title holder exhausted, it became a pleasant surprise when the winner emerged. No doubt his intimidating profile played greater role in his choice. He has achieved immensely, doing great work of charity by knitting its fabric wherever there is a tear, and yet remained humble.

He has been a holder of many titles as a result of his sense of humanity. In his ancestral home of Aguleri where he is the Akpokuedike (when a warrior is summoned) he has sponsored many businesses, granted scholarships to indigent students and executed people-oriented projects single-handedly.

Indeed his response to the challenges of the people, especially the poor and the needy, is without compare and cuts across ethnic and tribal divides. Recognizing this rare trait, President Barack Obama of the USA, bestowed the President’s Volunteer Service Award on him in December 2013, thanking him for helping to address the most pressing needs in his community. Upon his emergence into public service, he continued to blaze the trail, breaking old records and setting new ones.

He has earned a lot of accolades and awards. Prominent among which was the prestigious Zik Prize for Good Governance which he won in 2015. Others include, in no particular order, the 2016 Vanguard Newspapers Governor of the Year, the 2016 Leadership Newspapers Man of the Year, the 2016 Silverbird Man of the Year, the 2016 Sun Governor of the Year and so many more, including recognitions by religious bodies and civil societies.

So, the convening of the Ewi-in-Council and the Obis and Obas at Ado-Ekiti alongside the Igwes, the Oloyes, High Chiefs, Otunbas, the elegant Lolos and Erelus, the regal princes and princesses, the Ohaneze, the good people of Ado-Ekiti and the retinue of friends and well wishers was not in vain. They had gathered to witness the conferment of the title of Aare Amuagun of Ado on a humble yet accomplished man; and Erelu Amuagun on his ever supportive wife.

Reflective of his philosophy, determination, humanitarian disposition, excellent leadership qualities, exemplary lifestyle and love for culture, the title Aare Amuagun literally translates to a pace-setting leader and one who lives an exemplary life. This, simply summarizes the persona of Chief Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano, Akpokuedike Aguleri and Aare Amuagun of Ado.