Posted by By Moshood Adebayo, Abeokuta on
What he lost in his paternal lineage, he subsequently gained in his maternal lineage. The story of Oba Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele, Onilogbo of Ilogbo-Asowo of Aworiland in Ogun State is pleasant.He had lost a royal throne in his father's lineage, but got another in his mother's .
* He lost a royal throne in his father's lineage but got another in his mother's
What he lost in his paternal lineage, he subsequently gained in his maternal lineage. The story of Oba Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele, Onilogbo of Ilogbo-Asowo of Aworiland in Ogun State is pleasant.He had lost a royal throne in his father's lineage, but got another in his mother's .
Before he ascended the throne of his forebears, Ojugbele, an Awori legal icon, had contested the exalted office of Olota of Ota with his cousin, the incumbent Olota Oba Moshood Alani Oyede.He lost
Providence later brought Ojugbele to the throne of his ancestors, where he currently holds sway as the traditional ruler and member of the Ogun State Council of Obas.
Oba Ojugbele, who marked his 5th coronation anniversary recently, said he had learnt a great lesson that God is a great comforter when all hope seems lost by mankind.
'I could have been the Olota if it were God's wish, but I lost to my brother in the contest. We are cousins from the same ruling house. We are second cousins from Ota in my paternal heritage and here, (Ilogbo) my maternal homestead. This is a great lesson of life," he said.
Asked whether he was not hesitant to be an Oba in a serene community like Ilogbo, which lacks the bustling of the industrial city of Ota , Oba Ojugbele said: 'I won't say I am willing. I see it as a calling and as a challenge and an opportunity to make the whole difference".
'The only thing I can do is to be here and put the thing we thought was wrong right. As I said earlier, I could have been the Olota if it were God's wish".
'It must be mentioned that the town was hitherto on the low ebb of publicity and its popularity was restricted to Aworiland and Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Since I assumed the traditional headship of this town, Ilogbo Asowo, with the title of my kingship as the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, we have become well known community in the state and Nigeria at large.
'The practical manifestation of this was expressed in my appointment as a member of the State Council of Obas, an achievement that is the first of its kind in the history of Ilogbo-Asowo town".
The royal father said the past five years on the throne had witnessed peace and harmony of mutual co-existence among the people of the community. 'This is a feat that has eluded the town in the past years. In fact, my five-year kingship has curbed the excesses of areas boys and land speculators in the area because these were the major sources of crises in a fast developing community, like Ilogbo town and its environs.
'I have every cause to celebrate my coronation anniversary particularly in the area of education. The only secondary school in the town, which has been closed down for almost 20 years, was re-opened and we have once again resuscitated the enthusiasm of our children in their educational pursuit.
'This is one of the most appreciated developments in the town because a community that is denied access to education is indeed on the verge of de-classification in the history of human existence. Proper education of our children is a guaranteed hope for the future of this community. So, I'm personally delighted by the schools resuscitation," he said.
Reflecting on his life-style as a lawyer and now as a traditional ruler, the Onilogbo said: I tried to adjust very quickly because the difference is clear. Traditional rulership is not something you can read in any text book, you have to learn and you have to learnt very fast which is what I did. In the practice of law as a private person, I planned my time. Here as an Oba, my subjects plan my time for me. It's being a pleasant experience if you ask me".
The Awori Oba said his experience as a lawyer had also helped his rulership. 'It has helped me in great way. It has tremendous bearing. Most problems here are largely legal matters which ordinarily, would have resulted in court cases but for the wisdom of God and my experience as a legal practitioner"
Commenting on an unforgettable experience on the throne, Oba Ojugbele said: 'There was a day somebody was caught at Elebute, a Hausa man and beaten to a state of coma on the suspicious that he wanted to steal a child. It was a disturbing trend, I asked the Baale and a few leaders in the community to take the man to the hospital, but they were a bit hesitant until I let them know that it is not proper for people to take law into their hands". The incident is still green in my memory".
The monarch, who called for the establishment of a bi-cameral legislature at the state level, also advocated the creation of the House of Chiefs as the second legislative chamber.
According to him, the present role of traditional rulers should be re-examined, adding that there were many professionals among the royal fathers.
His words: 'Already at the state level, we have the Council of Obas. It will not cost government anything to use us for legislative purposes. When the state House of Assembly passes bills, they can be sent to us for proper examination. We have no vested political interest. Most of us are professionals. We sit down to settle disputes between husbands and wives".