By Dayo Johnson Akure

The former Speaker of the Ondo state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Dr, Bakkita Bello has been coronated as the 7th Olukoju of Odòoko Afa Okeagbe in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo

 State.

Title of Olukoju is one of great honours in Afa Okeagbe. It stands as the warrior of Afa Okeagbe.

The ancient town of Afa Okeagbe came alive as the people celebrate the coronation, traditional prayers, and certificate presentation to its new traditional leader, High Chief Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello, PhD.

It was a day filled with joy, colour, and cultural displays as residents, friends, and well-wishers trooped out to witness the historic occasion.

The ceremony which began with a solemn traditional prayer and certificate presentation at the Palace of Ajana was followed by the Amgbu Insignia procession from Igoye Odooko.

The Amgbu magical regalia donned by the new Olukoju Odooko-Afa, symbolizes defense, unity and continuity of Afa’s traditional cultural heritage.

Presenting a Certificate and the staff of office to the new Olukoju,  Oba Mofolorunso Samuel Adegboyega Arasanyin, Arole Agba 1, The Ajana of Afa, Okeagbe, amplified the cultural and historical importance of the Olukoju title in Afa’s traditional hierarchy.

Oba Arasanyin who dealt richly on the important roles played by the Olukoju dynasty towards development and defense in the community said that the title served as a pillar of strength, courage and steadfastness in protecting the sacred institution of the Ajana of Afa.

The new chief and the people later danced round the Town donned in the traditional Amgbu regalia, paying homage to the other ELEGBES (Warlords/Chiefs) as custom demanded.

The Amgbu magical regalia is usually a spectacular sight to behold, as it expands as its procession progresses and contracts back to its breastplate form at the end. The last time the Amgbu Insignia was sighted donned by late Olukoju Akatamba Oladiran Adamu Mogaji was in November 1973

After the installation, a civic reception held where family members, dignitaries, and traditional rulers and chiefs were entertained with various delicious meals, music, dance, and colourful cultural displays.

The event was chaired by the Distinguished Senator Barrister Dr. Bode Olajumoke.

 Senator Bode Olajumoke, in his welcome address attested to the fact that the new Olukoju, High Chief Bakkita Bello,  is an embodiment of positive values of leadership, courage, wisdom and humility.

He said that as a warlord and one of the traditional kingmakers, he would demonstrate unwavering commitment to the peace, protection and advancement of the Community.

Olajumoke also noted that his ascension to the esteemed position of Olukoju is a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in Dr. Bakkita Bello, by the people and the royal family.

The state governor, Dr  Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Water Resources & Public Sanitation commissioner, Hon Ayodele Akande, congratulated Chief  Bakkita Bello on his coronation and urged the people of Afa Okeagbe to continue to live in peace and unity for the progress of the Community and the larger Societies.

The new Olukoju of Odooko, Afa Okeagbe, Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello who could not hide his joy, appreciated God,  the Ajana-in-Council and the entire Afa Community for the honour bestowed upon him.

Chief Bakkita Bello also affirm his commitment towards the economic growth, political development and peaceful coexistence of the people.

The Minister of Interior,. Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in his goodwill as Special Guest, represented by Hon. Fatai Atere, of the state House of Assembly congratulated Ajana Arasanyin and the Afa Okeagbe Community on the choice of the new Olukoju.

Delivering a keynote address, Professor Abiodun Akinpelu of the Lagos State University, Ojo, spoke on the theme “Royalty, Defence and Protection of Oduduwa Land”.

Akinpelu said “it would be a great gain to start promoting indigenous language so that our culture and traditions passed down to us by our forefathers would not go into extinction.”

The University Don who expressed displeasure over the insecurity situation in Yorubaland charged all traditional rulers, the Baloguns, the warriors, the Asiwajus and other war veterans in the society to work in synergy to defend and protect Oodua land.

Akinpelu stressed further that all Southwest Governors should try to emulate and build on the effort of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu in nipping insecurity challenges in the bud by strengthening and adequately funding the Southwest Security Network – Amotekun.

He also congratulated Bakkita Bello and  wished him a peaceful season in his life assignment, an unprecedented period of peaceful growth and development for the people of Okeagbe.

Other Guest Speakers at the ceremony include the Asiwaju of Oka Land, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, OFR., and Major General Dayo Olukoju (Rtd.).

Speaking, the former Secretary-General of the Afenifere Socio-cultural Group,

Basorun Seinde Arogbofa said that Yoruba people should be allowed to play a crucial role in the defence of their lands from the bandits and invaders.

Meanwhile, Major General Dayo Olukoju (Rtd.), who stated the achievements of Dr Bakkita Bello in education, politics, his distinguished background as well as his commitment to developing humanity explained that these qualities would enable him to excell in the noble task ahead.

Olukoju said the people of Afa Okeagbe are blessed to have Dr. Bakkita Bello as their Olukoju because his heart is overwhelmingly keen for justice, unity and progress.

The Royal Fathers resent at the ceremony include the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo ; Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona, ; Zaki of Arigidi, Oba (Dr.) Yisa Abu Olanipekun; Akala of Ikaram, Oba Commodore Olamoyi Momodu (Rtd.); Olisua of Isua, Oba (Evangelist) Adeyemi Adesunloye-Oyolola,  Olupenmen of Ipenmen Oba, Ebenezer Adewumi Ogunmolasuyi  and the Olori; Oludo of Ido Okeagbe, Oba Sunday Adedeji Awojulu,  Oloyin of Oyin, Oba Olusola Bamisile; Oluro of Uro Ajowa, Oba Timothy Ipinmoroti; Oloso of Oso Ajowa, Oba Clement Jimoh; Eleriti of Eriti, Oba Amos Sunday Ogunleye; and the Oluyani of Iyani, Oba Joel Sunday Daudu.

A thanksgiving service held at the St George’s Anglican Church Okeagbe Akoko, Ondo State, had in attendance Royal Fathers and other dignitaries.

The Vicar, Venerable Dr Paul Alao Oladepo, in his sermon charged the new Olukoju, Bakkita Bello to continue using the grace and endowments God gave him, to benefit his people, mankind and his God through the Church.

The coronation of Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello, as the 7th Olukoju of Odooko, Afa Okeagbe marks a new chapter of unity, heritage, and leadership in the Community.