…fills vacant kingmaker’s stool 37 years after last occupant
Baaroyin Kayode Odunaro, Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, was on Saturday, installed the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
This is coming 37 years after the last occupant, Odunaro’s uncle passed on and the stool became vacant.
The Osorun title holder is one of the kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.
High Chief Odunaro, who spoke with newsmen shortly after his installation by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, explained that the chieftaincy title belongs to his lineage and the position was last held by his uncle who was installed in 1958 and reigned till he died in 1988.
Odunaro expressed delight that the kingmaker title would bring him closer to his roots as it would afford him the opportunity to partake more in the activities of the Isaga traditional council, particularly in the selection of a new traditional ruler in the town.
The media expert said though he holds other traditional titles, the Osorun title stands unique, as it will demand higher responsibilities from him as an important kingmaker of the ancient kingdom.
Expressing appreciation to the monarch, Oba Tella, Isaga-Orile Traditional Council and the Osorun family, Odunaro who was also a Chief Press Secretary to former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, assured that he would bring the experience he garnered as the spokesperson to three past governors of Ogun State to bear on his new title and role as a kingmaker.
Odunaro said, “I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers.
“The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am filling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.
“For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title. Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom”, Odunaro submitted.
Odunaro’s colourful installation ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Ogun State and across Nigeria. The personalities in attendance included Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Atinuke Bello; former Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin; members of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare and host of other traditional rulers.