IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE — Legal practitioner, Arbitrator, Mediator and Chairman of Technology Essentials Limited, Mr. Adebowale Owolabi Olufeko, has formally declared his intention to contest for the revered Stool of the Awujalẹ of Ijebuland, pledging to uphold the legacy of the late monarch and usher in a new era of inclusive leadership and development.
Addressing a gathering of elders, family members, and supporters, Olufeko began with a message of unity: “Distinguished elders, respected members of the Jadoara Bubiade family, our noble women, vibrant youth, and beloved relatives both near and far — I greet you all in the spirit of peace, unity, and the enduring Ijebu heritage.”
He paid glowing tribute to the late Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, describing his reign as transformative. “First and foremost, I give enormous credit and recognition to the remarkable leadership and royal accomplishments we, the Ijebus, enjoyed during the glorious reign of our late father… His reign brought honour, dignity, and progress to our land. May his noble soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”
Olufeko also acknowledged the contributions of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude… for his visible support and numerous development initiatives across Ijebuland and Ogun State as a whole,” he said. “We pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with wisdom, capacity, and divine strength.”
Explaining the motivation behind his declaration, Olufeko said, “I have been called by elders, leaders, and well-meaning sons and daughters of Ijebuland, both at home and abroad, who have urged me — and given their blessings — to present myself as a candidate for the sacred Stool of the Awujalẹ of Ijebuland.”
“This call is not born out of personal ambition,” he emphasized, “but from a sense of duty and service — a deep commitment to the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of our land. After much reflection, prayer, and consultation, I have accepted this call with humility and gratitude to God.”
He highlighted his professional background as a foundation for leadership: “Through my professional journey, I have been privileged to serve with distinction as a Legal Practitioner, Arbitrator, and Mediator… These experiences — both international and local — have prepared me to bring excellence, fairness, and vision to traditional leadership.”
Olufeko outlined a five-point agenda if selected as Awujalẹ, promising to uphold dignity, promote peace, empower youth, strengthen culture, and support the realization of Ijebu State. “I pledge to… empower our youth through mentorship, education, and enterprise — leveraging my national and international networks to attract capital, industry, and innovation into Ijebuland,” he said.
He also vowed to elevate the cultural heritage of the region: “I will strengthen our culture and tradition, particularly the world-renowned Ojude Oba Festival, by repositioning it to attract tourism, global partnerships, and sustainable cultural development.”
“My aspiration is to serve — not to rule; to preserve — not to change,” Olufeko declared. “To build upon the foundation laid by our illustrious ancestors and the visionary Obas who came before us.”
Concluding his address, he stated: “I, Mr. Adebowale Owolabi Olufeko… hereby declare my intention to contest for the Stool of the Awujalẹ of Ijebuland. I seek your blessings, your prayers, and your unflinching support as we embark on this sacred journey — to revamp our traditions, reposition our heritage, and continue to make Ijebuland the pride of the Yoruba nation and of Nigeria as a whole.”
“May the Almighty God bless our family, guide our decisions, and grant Ijebuland continued peace, prosperity, and unity,” he said.
