As a recognition for their contributions to the development of Osoro Kingdom, Ibadan born Engineer Olabode Oladipo otherwise known as ‘BODMAS’ and his Chartered Accountant wife, Omokemi Olufunke Oladipo, have been honored with the Chieftaincy titles of Bobadara and Yeye Bobadara of Osoro Kingdom in Igbotako, Ikale in Okitipupa, Ondo state.
The Rebuja and Paramount Ruler of Osoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Shedrack Gbadebo Bajowa, Labokun IV bestowed the Chieftaincy titles on the couples yesterday, Saturday 9, amid glitz and glamour.
The monarch, who described the couple as highly deserving of the coveted chieftaincy titles also said they have continued to represent Osoro kingdom well in all their endeavors, and have contributed immensely to the development of his kingdom, hence the honors bestowed on them.
The paramount ruler added that acknowledging and recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers and making great impacts on the society with chieftaincy honors remains one of the mandates of traditional rulers noting that such action motivates beneficiaries of the titles to do more while inspiring others to also work towards attaining such recognition.
Speaking exclusively with westernmirror.com.ng in his palace, the paramount ruler said: “one of the things that Obas and traditional rulers do is to acknowledge the contributions made by individuals for the development of their areas and communities.
“This informed the decision to recognize and appreciate my daughter who is married to a dynamic and wonderful man. She is a woman of virtue, a loving and caring mother such that her husband can depend upon, and she’s doing very well in her husband’s house, career, and the society as a whole.
“So, for me to appreciate that, my family acknowledge that she did not disappoint the family name and reputation, as well as members of my family, I have no other way to actually recognize her other than to confer her and her husband the chieftaincy titles, which is the usual practice of Yoruba Obas.”
In their separate remarks at the palace, shortly after conferment of their chieftaincy titles, the Bobadara and Yeye Bobadara expressed gratitude to the monarch for finding them worthy of such honors among other illustrious sons and daughters from the land assuring that the gesture would propel them to double their efforts towards further development of the kingdom.
In his remarks, the chairman of the reception, former lawmaker at the Oyo state House of Assembly and immediate past Special Assistant on Community Relation to Governor Seyi Makinde, Honourable Femi Josiah said, it was important for people to appreciate and understand that their actions and conducts in private endeavors are usually being noticed by others who may not necessarily be seen as observing.
While congratulating the couple on their Bobadara and Yeye Bobadara Chieftaincy titles, the politician equally said it was imperative on all to preserve the rich African culture and traditional heritage noting that culture and tradition form part of the identity of any people and must be jealousy preserved.
While stressing the importance of transferring knowledge of one’s culture and tradition to the coming generation, the self acclaimed cultural revivalist, who described Engineer Olabode as trusted and dependable friend, charged the couple to continue to sustain their family cultural heritage while also passing same knowledge to their children for preservation.
He said Oyo state would never forget Governor Makinde over his unprecedented achievements in cultural preservation while championing the course of peaceful coexistence among all religions in the state, saying Oyo and Ondo states share a strong bond in terms of rich tradition and culture which also informed the prestigious Chieftaincy titles of Jagunmolu and Yeye Jagunmolu of Ondo Kingdom bestowed on governor and his wife for delivery of good governance by Oba (Dr) Victor Ademefun Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom.
“As a core advocate of culture and a cultural revivalist, I want to congratulate the Bobadara and Yeye Bobadara of Osoro kingdom for this honor.
You’re based in Ibadan but are getting recognized with chieftaincy titles here in Ondo, what that means is that you’re doing well and making this kingdom proud, I just want to urge you as my family friend and titled chiefs to continue to represent this historic kingdom well in all your endeavors as you have been doing.
Earlier, members of the Society for Women Accountants of Nigeria, Oyo state chapter, who journeyed down to Osoro Kingdom from Ibadan to grace the occasion, described their Oyo state chairperson, Yeye Bobadara as a dependable team player and leader with a large heart who is fully committed to her Accounting profession as well as her family.
Others present at the event are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), Ibadan branch, family friends, professional colleagues, business partners, political associates, and well-wishers.
