Political differences took a back seat in Eruwa, Ibarapaland, as leaders and stakeholders from different political parties came together to celebrate culture, community and distinguished sons and daughters of the land.
The gathering was held as part of activities marking the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sharing the same platform and participating in traditional dances.
Politicians who often find themselves on opposing sides during election campaigns exchanged pleasantries and celebrated together, underscoring the enduring bonds of community, culture and shared heritage.
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of traditional titles on prominent personalities, including Dr Olusola Ayandele, popularly known as Eruobodo, and his wife, Dr Folayimika Ayandele, as well as Chief Adewale Atanda, popularly known as Alase, and his wife.
The Eleruwa conferred on Olusola Ayandele the prestigious title of Aare Bobagunwa of Ibarapaland, while his wife was installed as Yeye Aare Bobagunwa of Ibarapaland.
Similarly, Atanda was honoured with the title of Otunba of Ibarapaland, while his wife received the title of Yeye Otunba.
The latest recognition came shortly after the Ayandeles were also honoured by the Onidere of Idere, Oba Kingsley Onikola, who conferred on them the titles of Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Idere.
The successive honours recognised the couple’s contributions to the development of their communities and further cemented their standing among individuals celebrated by traditional institutions across Ibarapaland.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the region, including the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; Olu-Aso of Iberekodo Land, Oba Adedamola Badmus; and the Onidere of Idere, Oba Kingsley Onikola.
Other notable guests included the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; former Deputy Governor and Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo; APM governorship candidate, Abimbola Adekanmbi; former Oyo State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas; and Executive Director of the South West Development Commission, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.
Also in attendance were Alhaja Bose Adedibu, members of the Oyo State APC executive, chieftains of the APM and PDP, captains of industry, community leaders and other prominent guests.
The atmosphere became particularly symbolic as politicians from different parties danced together, demonstrating that political competition does not have to undermine mutual respect, cultural identity and a shared commitment to community development.
Speaking during the conferment of the titles, Oba Adegbola said the honours were part of activities marking his first year on the throne and were intended to celebrate individuals whose achievements and contributions had brought pride to Eruwa and Ibarapaland.
The monarch emphasised the importance of recognising people who have made meaningful contributions to the growth and development of their communities.
Congratulating the newly installed chiefs, Ogundoyin described the honours as recognition of their contributions to the development and well-being of the people.
The Speaker noted that traditional titles should not be viewed merely as symbols of prestige, stressing that they come with responsibilities to the people and communities they represent.
Ogundoyin also commended Oba Adegbola for using his first coronation anniversary to recognise distinguished sons and daughters of Ibarapaland, describing the gesture as evidence of the monarch’s commitment to unity, cultural preservation and community development.
He urged the newly installed chiefs to regard their elevation as a renewed call to service and to use their positions to contribute more to the peace, growth and prosperity of Ibarapaland.
Ogundoyin further prayed for wisdom, strength and a peaceful reign for the Eleruwa, while calling on the people of Eruwa and Ibarapaland to support initiatives aimed at promoting unity and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
