Ogbeni Lanre Banjo Congratulates The Akarigbo-Elect

The Akarigbo-elect, Prince Ajayi

Ogbeni Lanre Banjo has warmly congratulated the Akarigbo-elect of Remoland, Prince Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, and the people of Sagamu and Remo specifically and Ogun State in general on the peaceful selection of 52-year old Prince Ajayi as the next Akarigbo of Ijebu Remo.

Ogbeni Banjo, while extending his best wishes to the King-elect for his ascension to the throne of Akarigbo of the entire Remo-land, prayed to God to guide, guard and give Prince Ajayi immense wisdom to lead Sagamu and the 33 Kings in Remo Kingdom.

He also prays for intelligence, tact, foresight and vision that would serve as a pride for his subjects, and the courage to stand on principles when the Akarigbo-elect joins the Ogun State Council of Obas.

According to Ogbeni Banjo, no doubt, the position of Akarigbo carries with it dignity, authority, influence and power, and therefore, he then urged the Akarigbo-elect to rule with the fear of God and serve as a father to all, and not to those in power and their cronies alone.

Ogbeni Banjo beseeched Akarigbo-elect to join principled Obas to use the traditional institution to restore their dignity by appreciating their rightful place in the society for national growth.

“Even though the Federal system we borrowed does not accommodate traditional rulers, in our culture, the role of traditional rulers in nation building could not be overemphasized. Please do not roll-over when politicians scheme to adulterate our tradition, sow a seed of discord and create future crisis,” he said.

Ogbeni Banjo implored Prince Ajayi to emulate the good works of exemplary Obas in Yoruba land and learn from the mistakes of the previous Akarigbos.

He prayed that the Akarigbo-elect would dedicate himself to building on and surpassing the worthy legacies of his predecessors, and working with the businesses in Remo and other traditional rulers across the country to foster greater harmony, peaceful co-existence and faster socio-economic development of Sagamites and all Nigerians.

His words; “Your impeccable educational and professional records in the corporate community of Nigeria’s business institution and as a member of ICAN are expected to be used to elevate Remo and Ogun State.

“You are equally expected to drive the traditional institution with stronger zest and panache that Oba Michael Sonariwo deployed to promote culture and tradition without the interference of your religion, bearing in mind the spiritual effect on Remo, Ogun State and Nigeria. It is therefore, with great expectation that all Nigerians look forward to the eventful reign of the new Akarigbo”

While commending the administration of His Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun for playing the role of a good umpire by ensuring a free selection process, Banjo appeals to the ruling houses in Sagamu and citizens alike to unite with the Akarigbo-elect and give him support.

He prays that Prince Ajayi’s reign will encourage those citizens of Sagamu who are always afraid to come home to start investing in the town.

He looks forward to joining him and the good citizens of Sagamu, Ogun State and Nigeria in elevating the town, state and the country. He wishes the King-elect continued sound health, long life, auspicious and prosperous reign.