History was made in the ancient city of Ilesa as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, elevated Otunba Lai Oriowo, Group Director, O’dua Investment Company Limited, to the distinguished traditional stool of the SALORO OF IJESALAND.
The conferment ceremony, held amidst pomp and pageantry at the Palace of the Owa Obokun, drew eminent personalities from far and near who came to honour a man widely respected for his industry, integrity and service to Yorubaland.
By tradition, the Saloro is a title reserved for men of wisdom, honour and proven capacity to counsel the throne and champion the development of Ijesaland. In Otunba Oriowo, Kabiyesi said, the Council has found all of these qualities and more.
A seasoned administrator and corporate leader, Otunba Oriowo has, through his stewardship at O’dua Investment Company Limited, contributed immensely to the economic renaissance of the South-West and upheld the Omoluabi ethos for which the Ijesa people are renowned.
Responding, the new Saloro expressed profound gratitude to Kabiyesi for the confidence reposed in him.
“My heart is full of gratitude to His Imperial Majesty for this singular honour. I receive this not as a personal achievement, but as a sacred mandate to serve Ijesaland with greater zeal, loyalty and dedication. I pledge my unalloyed loyalty to the throne of my forefathers and to the progress of our land,” Otunba Oriowo stated.
The palace has prayed for the new chief to enjoy long life, sound health and a tenure marked by peace, wisdom and impactful service to Ijesaland and humanity.
