The Osinle of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, has honoured Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, alongside his wife and several party leaders, with traditional chieftaincy titles.
The installation ceremony took place on Thursday at the monarch’s palace in Sapon, Abeokuta, attracting traditional rulers, political figures, community leaders and other dignitaries.
Adebutu’s wife, Yeye Adenike Omolola Adebutu, was installed as the Yeye Lisa Aje of Oke-Ona Egba, while Senator Iyabo Obasanjo received the title of Okanlomo Obinrin.
Other recipients included Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, who became the Fiwagbola of Oke-Ona Egba, and the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, who was honoured as Olu Nla Obinrin.
Architect Dele Olaleye received the Sesogbayi title, Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello was installed as Oluomo Obinrin, while Chief Abiodun Ogunremi became the Otun Olu-Nla of Oke-Ona Egba.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oba Tejuoso explained that traditional titles were reserved for individuals whose conduct, reputation and contributions had earned the confidence of the community.
The monarch described Adebutu as a dependable personality, saying his character and previous activities had informed the decision to honour him.
“Ladi Adebutu is a tested man. He is somebody whose character and antecedents we have observed over time,” the monarch stated.
He expressed confidence in Adebutu’s ability to uphold the responsibilities associated with the recognition.
Oba Tejuoso also prayed for Adebutu and his wife, urging them to use their new positions to advance development in Oke-Ona Egba and Ogun State.
The traditional ruler extended similar expectations to the other recipients, stressing that chieftaincy titles should encourage greater commitment to community development.
Responding on behalf of himself, Adebutu thanked the monarch and the Oke-Ona Egba traditional institution for the honour.
He described the recognition as a responsibility rather than merely an occasion for celebration.
“I do not see this honour as just a traditional recognition or something to celebrate and forget. I see it as a responsibility and a call to greater service,” Adebutu said.
The PDP governorship candidate pledged to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents and creating opportunities across Egbaland.
He maintained that the recognition had strengthened his commitment to contributing to the development of Ogun State.
Adebutu also expressed appreciation to the traditional institution for recognising the contributions of individuals from different areas of public life.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the recipients and the performance of traditional rites associated with their installation.
Members of the Ogun State PDP leadership attended in large numbers to celebrate the newly installed titleholders.
Ezeana Emmanuel
