The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on Saturday in Ijebu-Ode installed physician and co-founder of EKO Hospital, Sonny Kuku, as the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland.

The installation ceremony was held alongside a celebration of Mr Kuku’s 80th birthday.

Mr Kuku, the pro-chancellor of the University of Benin, succeeded his late uncle and lawyer, Bayo Kuku, who was the third Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland and died in 2015.

Speaking during the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun said the sterling accomplishments of Mr Kuku qualified him for the office.

”These are coupled with his love for and commitment to the development of Ijebuland,” Mr Abiodun added.

While congratulating the new Ogbeni Oja on this lofty achievement, Mr Abiodun challenged him to use his office to foster unity and ensure economic development and educational advancement in Ijebuland.

Mr Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said his administration would continue to partner with the traditional rulers and other stakeholders to enhance the prosperity of the state’s residents.

Earlier, the Awujale said the selection of Mr Kuku as the fourth Ogbeni Oja was purely based on merit and his loyalty to the throne of Awujale from time immemorial.

“Let no one think that the choice of Olor’oogun Sonny Kuku was influenced by anyone; I did not pick him as the new Ogbeni Oja for any reason other than for being worthy of this highly coveted seat.

“I urge him to continue in that trajectory and continue to use his network worldwide to uplift the socio-economic development of Ijebuland and Ogun as a whole,” he said.

The paramount ruler also urged governors in the country’s South-West geo-political zone to follow the footsteps of Mr Abiodun regarding the installation and burial of traditional rulers.

Mr Abiodun had given assent to the law allowing traditional rulers to be installed and buried according to their religious beliefs and not compulsorily in the traditional way.

The new Ogbeni Oja, while speaking with journalists at the event, said he was highly honoured to be chosen by the Awujale for the exalted office.

Mr Kuku said he was ready to redouble his commitment towards developing Ijebuland.

The Ogbeni Oja is the next in rank to the Awujale and the regent, with his office said to be akin to a prime minister’s.

Dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

There were also three former governors of Ogun: Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel.

(NAN)