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… Hon. Kayode Oladele Urges Collective Action In Yewaland
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN
WELLING, UK – The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, who also chairs the Ogun State Council of Obas, urged the people of Yewaland to unite for the development of the region.
His call was made on Thursday, September 14, 2024, at Falconwood Community Center, Welling, UK, during the Yewa Day celebrations organized by the Yewa Descendants in the UK and Ireland.
During his address, Oba Olugbenle encouraged other monarchs in Yewaland to work collectively and include their subjects in the development process in their towns.
Oba Olugbenle emphasized that the three kings present at the event – Alagbara of Agbara representing Awori, Onipokia of Ipokia representing Anago, Egun Ohori, and other ethnic groups – stood as representatives of the people of Yewaland, while he represented all the people as the Paramount Ruler.
In his opening speech, Professor Ramon Adisa Bello, former Commissioner in Ogun State and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, encouraged Yewa people in the Diaspora to remain connected to their homeland.
He highlighted the ongoing development in Yewaland, particularly in the last two years, stating that it is visible and felt across the region.
Professor Bello credited these developments to the efforts of Yewa representatives in the Senate and House of Assembly, noting improvements in road construction and school rehabilitation.
He expressed his desire to see a Yewa candidate emerge as the governor of Ogun State in the 2027 general elections and commended Oba Olugbenle’s leadership for fostering positive change in Yewaland
Hon. (Barr.) Kayode Oladele, the guest speaker and former member of the House of Representatives, addressed the gathering with a message of collective responsibility.
He noted that the people of Yewaland possess the capacity to drive development, but some hold back, waiting for others to take the lead.
Oladele expressed concern over the political challenges Yewa faces, particularly the difficulty of producing a governor from the region since the state’s creation in 1976.
He urged internal political unity and support from other senatorial districts to make the dream of a Yewa governor a reality in 2027. He also called on the Yewa people to unite and collaborate toward the region’s growth.
Hon. Oladele outlined the composition of Yewa, which includes four local government areas: Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, and Imeko-Afon, along with parts of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
He further explained that Yewa also encompasses areas like Ibara, Ishaga, and parts of Ewekoro Local Government Area, with prominent settlements like Ishaga-Orile, Ibara-Orile, and Imala in Yewa North.
Hon. Oladele also highlighted that the Aworis of Ado-Odo/Ota are considered part of Yewa, despite their local government falling under the Ogun West Senatorial District.
He noted that the Aworis, along with other rulers, remains under the leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, while the Ado-Odo and Agbara axis falls under Oba Olugbenle’s leadership in Yewaland.
Hon. Oladele expressed gratitude to Oba Olugbenle for his efforts in uniting the diverse ethnic groups of Yewaland, calling it a strong foundation for collaborative development.
Deacon Kayode Amosun, President of the Yewa Descendants Union (YDU) UK and Ireland, also welcomed attendees and acknowledged the presence of monarchs and leaders.
Amosun praised Dr. Isiak Adekunle Salako, the Honorable Minister of State for Environment, for his support despite his absence due to official duties.
He unveiled the event’s theme, “Collective Actions for Yewaland, Nurturing Dreams and Collaboration Efforts,” urging all Yewa people to unite in uplifting the region and celebrating their cultural heritage.
The 2024 Yewa Day, saw the attendance of notable figures. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, was represented by Hon. Babatunde Olaotan, Special Adviser on Government House and Special Duties.
Other prominent attendees included Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Alagbara of Agbara, and Oba Isah Sola Olaniyan, Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, was also present through his representative, Hon. Kolawole Lawal Moboluwaduro.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Otunba Akeem Adegboyega Adigun, the Apagunpote of Yewaland, Chief (Mrs.) Oluyemisi Oloyo, Iya-Ewe of Ilaro-Yewa and Dr. Seun Abati, among others.
Yewaland, one of the major regions in Ogun State, is a melting pot of ethnic groups that have come together to form a kingdom. The capital of Yewa is Ilaro, and its history dates back to the 13th century.
Yewaland was founded by warriors, hunters, and farmers who sought to establish their own territory, with many tracing their roots back to Ile-Ife and the Oyo Empire.
Today, Yewa people are found across Nigeria and around the world, maintaining a deep connection to their ancestral homeland.
The 2024 Yewa Day in the UK was a testament to this enduring pride and commitment to the development of Yewaland.
