His Royal Majesty, Oba David Makanjuola Ajaja, PHD, The Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti has installed Otunba Stephen Abiodun Ojo and his wife, Mrs Yemisi Amope Ojo as GBOBANIYI and YEYE GBOBANIYI of Itapa Ekiti.
The installation took place at Owatapa’s residence in Itapa Ekiti on 29 December, 2022.
According to HRM Oba Makanjuola, Otunba Stephen Ojo’s contributions to mankind, development of his town- Ilupeju Ekiti, other towns and his philantropic gestures qualified him for the prestigious title of “GBOBANIYI of ITAPA kingdom.
The monarch showered encomium on the new Chief based on his contributions to nation building. Owatapa said ” A good name is better than riches’ Otunba Stephen Ojo ( SAO) has it abundantly and it is the good reputation he has built for himself that has catapulted him to his present pedestal”
” I am not giving to showering fulsome praises on people especially where it does not exist but considering the human relations escapades of our own GBOBANIYI of Itapa Kingdom, I will not hesitate to be extravagant with the language of praise. These are escapades that are audible to the deaf, visible to the blind and of course conspicuous to the paralytic. God sent his prophets to nations to lead, teach, succour, defend and reform His human creations in travail and despair, Ilupeju Ekiti has Otunba Stephen Ojo”
Oba Ajaja stressed the importance of the new Chief to community development and nation building by coining a philosophy from his name ‘ SAOISM’ which according to the monarch ” SAOISM is irredentism, it is not jingoism, it’s not monistic , apologetic , sarcastic.
Oba Makanjuola further reiterated that coming to stardom of Otunba Stephen Ojo would end Social wreckage, political servitude, Economic impotency, psycological immaturity , spiritual complacency and mental stagnation .
The monarch described Otunba Stephen Ojo as youth emancipation, gifted , industrious and visinoary whose leadership prowess was appreciated and recommended for the young and old to emulate .
The elated GBOBANIYI and YEYE GBOBANIYI of Itapa Ekiti danced to ‘Agere drum’ while visitors were entertained by a live band of Ogidiolu Alaro.
Recall that Otunba Stephen Ojo is the Akogun of Ilupeju Ekiti. A reputable son of Ilupeju Ekiti, a notable financial expert per excellence and a political guru.
Dignitaries at the installation includes:HRM.Oba David Sunday Awe, Akingbade, The Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, High Chief Sunday Ogunsola,the Obanla of Ilupeju Ekiti, Kings from neighbouring towns, chiefs, Otunba Ladi Owolabi, the Deputy governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party in the just concluded election, Arch. Dipo Ajayi and wife, Chairman, Ifeloju LCDA, Comrade Babatunde Ogunmilugba, Engineer Tola Gbuyiro, Mr Jide Babalola, Engineer Femi Fagbemi, Ilupeju National youth president amog others.