By Abel Johngold
The Palace of the Olowu of Owu kingdom was agog with celebration as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s first elected female Speaker and former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief Mrs) Titilayo Oseni, members of the Univerrsity of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) worldwide graced the installation ceremony of the new Giwa Iyalode, Chief (Dr) Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, JP, as ‘Giwa Iyalode’ of Owu kingdom in Ogun State.
She was installed alongside eight others at the Palace of the Paramount ruler of the ancient Owu Kingdom on Thursday, 1st August, 2024.
This explained that since assuming the throne of his forefathers, HRM (Prof) Saka Adebola Matemilola Otileta VII, The Olowu of Owu Kingdom has continued to build bridges of peaceful co-existence and national unity.
The Conferment of this title on Dr. Tomori by the Owu Kingdom is a further testimony to that people appreciate Dr. Tomori’s contribution to national development and humanity in general. The title should further reinvigorate Dr. Tomori to do more for posterity”.
Explaining the significance of the ‘Giwa Iyalode’ title, HRM (Prof) Saka Adebola Matemilola Otileta VII The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, said it was reserved for merited people who have shown strong abilities and with traits of becoming emerging leaders and providing leadership and direction for the people.
He enjoined Dr Tomori to remain good Ambassadors of the kingdom. He stated that all through Owu kingdom, she will be revered, accepted and recognized as title holders, and treated as a recognized daughter of Owu Kingdom.
The revered monarch described Dr. Tomori as a woman with strong and exceptional character difficult to find in many people. He said as panache as Tomori was, she has mingled and served in her endeavors in the interest of humanity and people have only glowing things to say about her.
Responding to questions from pressmen shortly after her installation, Chief (Dr) Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, JP thanked HRM (Prof) Saka Adebola Matemilola Otileta VII The Olowu of Owu Kingdom for considering her worthy of the title.
While pledging to live up to the integrity, prestige and expectations of the Giwa Iyalode title, the UIAA Worldwide Treasurer promised to always stand for women, children and human development.
Congratulating the new Giwa Iyalode of Owu Kingdom, the immediate past President of UIAA Worldwide, Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye said “Chief (Dr) Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, Giwa Iyalode of Owu Kingdom !!! I salute you ooo!!! Bi e tie pe wa. Congratulations!! Oye a mori o! More wins o!!”
In his congratulatory message, the former Worldwide Secretary of UIAA, Mr. Sam Obinyan, said “Congratulations my Worldwide Exchequer, Chief Dr Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, JP on your installation as the Giwa Iyalode of Owu Kingdom. You truly deserved the honour as you have practically shown your sense of duty and commitment to all your assigned engagements both in public and private concerns, especially your knack for volunteerism. I wish you more of these accolade and recognition. Pls, keep the flag flying. I know you have not gotten to your peak yet. You still have more to offer in enhancing our human civilization.
Once again, I say congratulations to our ever smiling and pretty Exchequer.”
Also congratulating her, the Secretary of Isoko Chapter of UIAA, Dr. Clement Adjekpiyede, said “The Isoko chapter of the Association celebrate Chief (Dr) Mrs Tomori on the recent installation as the Iyalode of Owu Kingdom. You shall continue to attain greater heights on your earthly journey.”
On his part, the Worldwide Publicity Secretary of UIAA, Publicist Abel Johngold, stated that he was convinced that the decision of the Paramount ruler of Owu Kingdom to confer the Giwa Iyalode title on Dr. Tomori was well thought out, timely and a reflection of the mood of the nation. He said this honour should serve as a source of encouragement to her to continue to serve the country and humanity.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large crowd from within the kingdom, Ogun State and across the Country, family, the UIAA Community in Ogun State led by its Chairman, Rev’d Kayode Ajibare and numerous well wishers.
High light of the occasion was the installation of Dr. Oyinade Olujimi Tomori, JP, the Worldwide Treasurer of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association as The Giwa Iyalode of Owu Kingdom by HRM (Prof) Saka Adebola Matemilola Otileta VII The Olowu of Owu Kingdom. Dressed in the Yoruba royal traditional regalia, a royal crown was placed on her head with a staff of office handed to her.
The Youruba cultural troupes thrilled the crowd at the occasion with different traditional dances.
It was indeed a blend of royalty and culture at its peak.
