By Law Ibitoye
The Oore of Otun-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, has called for stronger relationships between Otun-Ekiti and Ilupeju-Ekiti, following a courtesy visit to a prominent community leader and Atayese of Moba land, Oloye Esan Ogunleye, at his residence in Ilupeju Ekiti..
The monarch, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Adediwura Adeagbo, and a delegation of high chiefs from Otun-Ekiti, was received by Oloye Ogunleye and his wife, Chief Foluke Ogunleye, the Eeyetu of Ilupeju-Ekiti.
The visit brought together the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade I; the Obanla of Ilupeju-Ekiti, His Highness Sunday Ogunsola; the Chairman of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Olusola Michael Oniyelu; and members of the Apeju-in-Council, among other community leaders.
Speaking during the visit, Oloye Ogunleye described the Oore as a loving and caring monarch whose extensive network of relationships and community engagements had contributed significantly to the development of Otun-Ekiti.He expressed delight at the monarch’s visit, noting that he valued their longstanding relationship and remained abreast of developments and activities in Otun-Ekiti.
The Atayese of Moba Land commended the monarch for sustaining their friendship, which he said had grown beyond personal ties to foster stronger family and community connections.
Also speaking, the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba Akingbade I, called for closer cooperation between Otun-Ekiti and Ilupeju-Ekiti, urging both communities to build on the cordial relationship between the Oore and Oloye Ogunleye.The monarch described the duo as resourceful, influential and witty personalities who had contributed to national development.
He expressed optimism that their relationship would create more opportunities for collaboration and strengthen the bond between the two towns.
In his remarks, the Ifeloju LCDA Chairman, Hon. Oniyelu, praised the leadership qualities of the Oore and Oloye Ogunleye, describing them as gifts from God. He prayed for God’s continued protection, good health and longevity for the two leaders.
Responding, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti commended Oloye Ogunleye for his contributions to the financial empowerment of ordinary Nigerians through Omiye Microfinance Bank. He said the bank had helped thousands of people overcome poverty through its financial services and initiatives, describing its interventions as worthy of commendation.
The monarch pledged his unalloyed support for the bank and called on Nigerians to patronise the financial institution to enable it extend its impact to more people.
Oba Adeagbo also described the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti as an apostle of peace, a unifier and a monarch endowed with wisdom.He appreciated the Apeju-in-Council and the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for their cooperation with the traditional ruler, noting that unity and collective support remained essential for community development.
In his vote of thanks, the Obanla of Ilupeju-Ekiti, His Highness Sunday Ogunsola, appreciated the Oore and his entourage for the visit. He expressed confidence that the relationship between Otun-Ekiti and Ilupeju-Ekiti, strengthened by the longstanding friendship of the Ogunleye would continue to grow.
Among those present were the Oloja of Iloro, High Chief Aduloju; the Oloja of Odo-Egosi, High Chief Amos Ogunbiyi; the Olugbosu of Ilupeju-Ekiti; the Eye Foju; Iyadofin; the Eyeleegoro; Ogijo; the Iyasuna of Ilupeju-Ekiti; Pa Femi Daramola; Hon. Olokan; Alhaji Amusa Rasak Olayemi; and the National President of the Ilupeju Youth Development Association, Comrade Lawrence Ibitoye, alongside members of the Otun-Ekiti delegation.