Home / Culture / Yearly Memorial Anniversary Of Late High Chief Titus Stephen Oladeji Ilori Fadojutimi (Odunwo Of Ondo Kingdom 1978 -1982) – Conferment Of Traditional Chieftaincy Title – A Lesson To Learn From History

Yearly Memorial Anniversary Of Late High Chief Titus Stephen Oladeji Ilori Fadojutimi (Odunwo Of Ondo Kingdom 1978 -1982) – Conferment Of Traditional Chieftaincy Title – A Lesson To Learn From History

I found it most appropriate to properly educate certain people who are known for exploiting every avenue to bring down others out of envy or jealousy and when they can no longer enjoy certain benefits, favouritism or recognition from the latter.

It is quite clear in 1978 when late High Chief Odunwo T. S. O. Fadojutimi (Then Losare of Ondo Kingdom) wrote a petition through the defunct Ondo Local Government Council Chairman to the Ondo State 1st Military Governor – Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme to challenge the decision of late HRM Oba Robert Itiade Adekolurejo (42nd OSEMAWE) about the conferment of the ‘Adaja Chieftaincy Title’ on the then, late Chief Genty Akinyosoye (Sara of Ondo, who later became High Chief Odunwo in 1983) of which the late sage was a strong contestant.

It must be noted however that the traditional rulers are under the supervision of the Chairman of their respective Local Government Council Authority, who usually trigger the selection and appointment of an Oba whenever there is a vacant stool. The same procedure remains the true position of things as at today despite the political influence or exposure of any candidate.

The State Governor invited the Oba, High Chiefs and few other selected senior chiefs and influential personalities in Ondo Township to a special meeting at the Governor’s Office in Akure to consider the merit of the Adaja Chieftaincy Petition Matters Arising. After listening to all parties involved, the Governor made it clear that Chieftaincy titles belongs to the Community, but merely been supervised by the Oba (King) and his lieutenants in accordance with the existing governing law.

Owing to the popular support of the majority for late Chief T.S.O. Ilori Fadojutimi (Losare of Ondo, who later became High Chief Odunwo in 1978), the then, 1st Military Governor of Ondo State – Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme gives a directive at the meeting that the ‘High Chief Adaja Chieftaincy Title’ that was initially conferred on late Chief Genty Akinyosoye (Sara of Ondo) be revoked immediately and should be given to a non-contestant. While the next vacancy of any senior High Chief (Kingmaker) above the subject matter be automatically given to late Chief T. S. O. Ilori Fadojutimi whenever the need arise.

The remarkable decision of the Ondo State Military Governor actually gave late Chief Cladius Olaniyi Awosika (Odole of Ondo) a very bright opportunity to become High Chief Adaja (Kingmaker, 6th-in-Command) in 1978. Thus, he created a fantastic four new appellations for himself such as … A pe wa j’oye, O fai dun j’oye, O’ne Olorun ba se te e, O da titun si ola !!!

It should be noted however that Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme was transferred from Ondo State before the vacancy of another High Chief (Kingmaker) exist in Ondo town. The 2nd Military Governor of Ondo State – Lt. Col. Sunday Tuoyo attested to the earlier decision made by his predecessor. Thereafter, in last quarter of 1978, late High Chief Abraham Akinrotoye (Odunwo of Ondo Kingdom ‘4th-In-Command’) passed away.

In the aftermath, The High Chief Odunwo Chieftaincy title (Kingmaker) was conferred on late Chief T.S.O. Ilori Fadojutimi without any open contest than to obey the directive of the then State Military Governor in 1978. Thus, he created another fantastic appellation for himself such as … Ekutele gho odusa bamu bamu kan an gbe odusa se, O mu kekere gba lila, O mu gbajumo gba obi ni owo alaseju, O mu bibire je aiye ilu e, O mu ajulo pa ina ote yan an yan !!!

Although, the rest are now part of history, but we must learn how to respect each other whenever they are cause to do so in the society irrespective of our position, because of the fact that there is nothing that ever last forever.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Orun rere o Bai Loogun Ilori Fadojutimi, Omo Baba Jomu Akinrujomu, Omo Lujomudo bi ogho so si de ogho ka, Omo Eghunghun lila Ode Ondo, Omo Baba Adaja Fadojutimi, Omo Aowa, Omo Legwogho, Omo Yeye Adekuotu, I’a Idimi Ogbodu, I’a Okedasa, Omo Yeye Gbanejoke, Omo Gbesokun, Omo Yeye Ademeso Adenuke, Omo Oba Leyo, Omo Oba Osungbedelola, Omo Oba Odunola Ojagodolokun – O’ne n’ejo do b’orun e wi, Omo Oba Aroworayi, Omo Abaiye, Omo Luwami Ajalaiye, Omo Ajiwajiwaleke, Omo Luwami Apewaiko, Omo Ugbagbamola, Omo Luwami Adunmila, Otunba-Woka, Omo Lewu woyi woyi, Omo Lewulude, Omo Lewu Aimojubomi, Omo Ogwa, Omo Odigho, Omo Gbegede … Ogbolu, Aikasekun, Ludaila ye gb’ogun Ulu, Ara titun ni Oke Odunwo, Dedeniunola, Ekutele gho odusa bamu bamu kan an gbe odusa se …. Baba Titus, O di gbose o, O tun da obun omu’en !!!

May the gentle and humble soul of my late Maternal Grandfather continue to rest in perfect peace …. Loud Amen.

Omo rere a gbeyin gbogbo wa o …. Amin.

Otunba Damilola Oladimeji POH, ECHGA, GIOU.
(Ojo Gbogbo Bi Odun ‘II’ )
Ekimogun Cultural Heritage Global Ambassador

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