History was made on Saturday 8th October, 2022 when His Royal Majesty, Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade, was installed as the second Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti at a colourful and memorable ceremony which took place at St. John Catholic Primary School Premises, Ilupeju Ekiti. The presentation of Staff and instruments of Office was performed by the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Late Chief Bisi Egbeyemi.
It would be recalled that the position of Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti became vacant following the demise of Oba Olaleye Emmanuel Oniyelu, the first Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti who reigned for 42 years of peace, unity and development. The selection process for the new king was put in place in line with the Apeju’s Chieftaincy Declaration Law of 2019. The process which was seamless was facilitated by the Kingmakers and Government officials both at the Local and State levels.
The emergence of Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade was already predetermined. In line with the Chieftaincy Law, it is only a sitting Obanla who is the second in rank to the Apeju that can become the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti. Having fulfilled all righteousness, his elevation/promotion to the position of Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti was almost automatic. There was no competition. It was like an endorsement by the Kingmakers. A reigning Obanla is the heir apparent to the exalted position of Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti. Therefore, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade ascended the throne of his forefathers with a lot of knowledge and experience in administration, conflicts resolution, Chieftaincy Laws, protocols, issues of development and royalty matters as a former second in command to the Late Oba Oniyelu.
Ever since, Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade has been on the move. He has been enjoying the tremendous support and unwavering cooperation of the Community. Just like the say in the Bible “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). The support from the IDA Leadership has been very remarkable. The Association effected a comprehensive renovation of the Apeju Palace to make it more befitting to Kabiyesi as a First Class Oba in Ekiti State. In addition to this, the Association presented an SUV Jeep to Kabiyesi and a Camry Car to Obanla. To make the Apeju in Council more relevant, Kabiyesi has been able to fill some of the existing vacant Chieftaincy positions particularly the Olugbosun Chieftaincy which had hitherto become controversial.
There were other notable but tangible achievements already recorded under the progressive reign of our Kabiyesi. Mentioned must be made of the renovation of the Basic Health Centre, Ilupeju/Itapa General Hospital, provision of a Borehole at the popular Menara Market and the completed asphalt overlay of Oke uyan – Ewo – Uro Meta – Odoko road, all facilitated by the Ekiti State Government. There is the ongoing construction of 132 KVA Electricity Project along Ire Ekiti Road. IDA expended millions of Naira to successfully install Solar Electricity Lights to all the nooks and crannies of the Community. This remains the flagship project of this very progressive Ilupeju Development Association, led by Mr Banji Ogungbemi and his team.
Therefore, as Kabiyesi is marking another coronation anniversary on the throne, we pray for peace, unity and more developments in Ilupeju Ekiti. To accelerate this, there is the need for more cooperation and collaboration between Kabiyesi and other key stakeholders particularly IDA Leadership for purpose of attracting more government and institutional patronage to the historic Community aka Plateau Town.
Happy Coronation anniversary to Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade, the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti.
From Sola Ogunmiluyi, MCIPM
Retired Permanent Secretary.
