Hon. Tosin Alabi, Mogaji Oloko in Oja’gbo and former Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) House of Representatives aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, on their conferment with the prestigious chieftaincy titles of Aare Soludero and Yeye Soludero, respectively.
The distinguished titles were conferred on the Governor and the First Lady by the Ibarapa Traditional Council at the palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adedayo Adeagbola.
In a statement issued to congratulate the couple, Hon. Alabi described the conferment as a well-deserved and highly significant honour, noting that the titles represent the recognition of the Governor and his wife’s contributions to the peace, progress and development of Oyo State.
He noted that in Yoruba culture, chieftaincy titles are more than ceremonial distinctions, stressing that they represent the appreciation, acceptance and confidence of the people and traditional institutions in the character and contributions of the individuals being honoured.
According to him, the conferment of the Aare Soludero title on Governor Makinde and Yeye Soludero on his wife is a demonstration of the respect and goodwill enjoyed by the Makinde family among the people and traditional institutions of Ibarapa Land.
Hon. Alabi congratulated the Ibarapa Traditional Council for recognising the Governor and First Lady, describing the occasion as another example of the important relationship between democratic institutions and traditional authorities in Oyo State.
He particularly commended the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adedayo Adeagbola, and members of the Ibarapa Traditional Council for their commitment to preserving the cultural identity, values and heritage of the people.
He said the traditional institution remains an indispensable pillar of society, particularly in promoting peace, unity, communal harmony, cultural preservation and grassroots development.
The former APM federal lawmaker aspirant further observed that the cordial relationship between Governor Makinde’s administration and traditional rulers across the state has contributed significantly to creating an atmosphere conducive to development.
He stated that traditional rulers, because of their closeness to the people, possess invaluable knowledge of the needs and aspirations of their communities and therefore have an important role to play in the formulation and implementation of people-oriented policies.
Hon. Alabi commended Governor Makinde for what he described as his commitment to improving the living conditions of residents of Oyo State through investments in infrastructure, economic development, education, healthcare, security and other sectors.
He noted that the Governor’s approach to governance has continued to generate goodwill among various stakeholders, adding that the latest traditional honour further demonstrates the recognition of his leadership beyond political circles.
He also congratulated Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, describing her conferment as Yeye Soludero as an honour that recognises her support for the Governor and her own contributions to humanitarian and social development initiatives.
Hon. Alabi said the role of a First Lady goes beyond supporting her husband, stressing that Mrs. Makinde has also used her position to promote causes that affect women, children, families and vulnerable members of society.
He urged the Governor and his wife to regard the new titles not only as marks of honour but also as additional calls to service, humility and dedication to the people.
The Mogaji Oloko further emphasised the need for political leaders and traditional institutions to continue working together in the interest of the people, saying that development can only be sustained when there is unity of purpose among stakeholders.
He prayed that Almighty God would continue to grant Governor Makinde and his wife wisdom, good health, strength and divine guidance as they continue to serve the people and contribute to the growth of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Hon. Alabi also called on citizens of Oyo State to continue to support initiatives capable of promoting peace, unity, economic prosperity and sustainable development across the state.
He said the honour bestowed on the Governor and First Lady should be celebrated by all people of Oyo State because it represents not only a recognition of two individuals but also the enduring relationship between the government, traditional institutions and the people.
