Olaseni Emerges Bashorun of Ilogbo-Ekiti, Friends, Schoolmates Celebrate New Chief

By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti

It was a celebration of honour, friendship and thanksgiving in Ilogbo-Ekiti as Alhaji Nureni Babatunde Olaseni was formally installed as the Bashorun of Ilogbo-Ekiti, with friends, associates and old schoolmates describing his elevation as a fitting reward for his humility, generosity, good character and commitment to humanity.

The prestigious traditional title was conferred on Olaseni by the Owalogbo of Ilogbo-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Edward O. Ajayi, who said the new Bashorun had distinguished himself through his conduct, relationships and contributions to the community.

Oba Ajayi expressed confidence that Olaseni would bring his experience, wisdom and people-oriented disposition to bear on his new responsibilities, stressing that the title should be regarded not merely as an honour, but as a platform for greater service to the people.

The monarch noted that Olaseni had consistently demonstrated the ability to build bridges across social and professional boundaries, urging him to deploy his influence towards promoting peace, unity and development in Ilogbo-Ekiti.

The ceremony attracted family members, friends, associates and schoolmates, who took turns to celebrate the new chief and recount their experiences with him over the years.

Among those who paid tribute was Dr. Oludotun Adetunberu, Director-General, Ekiti State Homeland and Intelligence Agency, who described Olaseni as a long-standing friend whose humility, friendliness and willingness to support others had remained remarkable.

Adetunberu, who recalled their years together as members of the 1984 set of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, said Olaseni had always maintained strong relationships with his colleagues and carried himself with dignity.

He recalled that Olaseni had, on several occasions, proudly referred to himself as “Bashorun,” saying the dream had now become reality.

According to him, the development was a testimony to positive thinking, perseverance and divine grace.

Also speaking, Prince Oluwatosin Jegede, a prince of Ilogbo-Ekiti, thanked God for the successful installation, while Professor Ayo Arogundade congratulated Olaseni and prayed for wisdom, strength and courage for him to successfully discharge his traditional responsibilities.

The celebration continued in Ado-Ekiti, where a grand reception brought together members of various Christ’s School old students’ associations, friends and associates.

The reception was marked by music, dancing and tributes as guests celebrated Olaseni’s elevation and the enduring relationships he had cultivated over the decades.

In his response, Olaseni expressed gratitude to God for the successful installation and appreciated his family, friends, associates and well-wishers who travelled to identify with him.

He pledged to remain committed to service, unity and community development, while acknowledging the prayers, goodwill and support that accompanied his elevation.

One of the emotional highlights of the celebration came from his mother, Alhaja Wosilat Olaseni, who expressed immense joy at witnessing her son attain the traditional position while she is still alive.

She described the occasion as a moment of fulfilment and thanksgiving, offering prayers for divine guidance, protection and a successful tenure for her son.

The celebration ended on a note of thanksgiving and jubilation, with guests praying that the new Bashorun would uphold the dignity of the traditional institution and use his position to promote peace, unity and the development of Ilogbo-Ekiti.