By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
It was a colorful gathering at the palace of Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, as the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji was installed as the “Baamoye” of Ondo Kingdom.
The Speaker alongside 19 others were installed as part of the activities lined up for the 70th birthday and 17th coronation anniversary of the Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, Oba Dr. Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo.
The monarch, while congratulating Olamide Oladiji as well as other Chiefs stated that they were chosen because of their good works and immense contributions to Ondo kingdom, the state and the nation at large.
He, however, encouraged them to continue the good works they have been known for, as their new honorary chieftaincy title is a call for them to do more for the society.
In his reaction, Olamide Oladiji appreciated the monarch for finding him worthy of the honorary chieftaincy title bestowed on him.
He said: “This is as a result of my contribution to the development of Ondo Kingdom, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
“This honorary chieftaincy title is a call to service, it is a big challenge for me to do more for Ondo Kingdom and I’ll continue to support our monarch on how to move Ondo Kingdom forward.”
The Deputy Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, while congratulating Oladiji noted that his conferment as Baamoye of Ondo Kingdom is in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities and appreciation of his contribution to the town.
Akinruntan described the Speaker as a kind-hearted leader and an apostle of peace and order who has facilitated numerous developmental projects in Ondo Kingdom as a lawmaker, stressing that the honorary conferment of the chieftaincy title is undoubtedly merited.
He added that this new feather to Ondo Speaker is indeed a call to service.
Other members of the House of Assembly said the well-deserved honour is a confirmation of his passion for humanity and communal growth.
The lawmakers described the Speaker as an erudite politician, educationist and a God-fearing man, whose destiny has bestowed on him a lasting legacy.
Some Ondo residents while congratulating the Speaker, described him as a kind-hearted leader who is compassionate about the well being of people.
The coronation had in attendance, different eminent personalities from all walks of life, including Governors from the Southwest, Traditional rulers led by the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, President of the senate, Godswill Akpabio,who was represented by his Deputy, other Senators, politicians, business moguls, Chiefs among others.