WHEN OBA OLUGBE HANDED OVER THE SECURITY OF UGBE-AKOKO KINGDOM TO NEW BALOGUN KAYODE

WHEN OLUGBE HANDED THE SECURITY OF UGBE-AKOKO KINGDOM TO NEW BALOGUN KAYODE.

The high point of the traditional rites and social activities that wrapped-up the last phase of the Coronation (Iwuye) Ceremony of the new Balogun of Ugbe-Akoko Kingdom,High Chief Kayode Balogun penultimate weekend was the symbolic presentation of official insignia and traditional amulets and Iwure (traditional Prayer) by the king to the new Balogun.

The paramount ruler of Ugbe-Akoko Kingdom,Oba Muriana Ajiboye, Ilufemiloye 1, charged the new Balogun of Ugbeland, High Chief Balogun to girde his loins,pick up sword and ready for the battles to secure Ugbeland.

Oba Ajiboye said, that the position of Balogun is not for the feeble minded or lilly livered because it’s military inclined  because it is not an adventure for the weak.

The Oba also charged the new Balogun that he should be strong, determined,pro-active,ever ready,gallant but not on paper but in active service to protect the kingdom from invasion or attack.

Oba Ajiboye defined Balogun saying, “Asiwaju-Ogun” warlord, the Commander of Ugbe Warriors though the community has become one of the most peaceful and rapidly developing town in Akokoland, but at this perilous moment of insecurity in our nation make us to coronated a formidable Balogun as means of preparedness against unexpected security breach”.

“You are our Balogun the Chief Security Officer of Ugbeland, the generalissimo of our Warriors from this moment the security of Ugbeland is in your hand”.

Oba Ajiboye noted that where there is no security there will be no peace and it will stunt the growth and development of such a community.

The paramount ruler, Olugbe re-echoed to Balogun to make sure that he prioritizes the security of Ugbe Town which must become a paramount agenda in his life by making sure Ugbeland is fully secured from all manners of security threats.

The King called on Balogun to see the new position as a very important assignment and that he must be ready to deliver on all the mandates expected from the Generalissimo and Commander of Ugbe Warriors must cooperate with other High Chiefs to unite, protect and defend Ugbeland.

Olugbe concluded his traditional rites by officially handing over the security of Ugbeland to the Balogun by symbolically while adorning him with beads and horse tail (Irukere) and prayed for his success just like those of his forebears you “Balogun you shall not be found wanting in securing this land in all spheres of life”.

During the traditional rites inside Olugbe’s Palace a home based traditionalist and Priest, Gafaru Amuledo popularly called Eruobodo was detailed to handle the Iwure and this he did digging deeper into traditions and evoking the spirit of the forefathers.

Amuledo-Eruobodo prayed fervently and evoked the spirit of the forebears of Ugbeland to protect and guilded the steps of the new Balogun.

Meanwhile,Oba Ajiboye earlier in his address to the audience at the palace went into the historic perspectives to the event that Balogun Kayode is not only a direct descendant of the Balogun linage that he’s is the 2nd Balogun since Ugbe-Akoko was founded.

Oba Ajiboye gave insight into the roles played by the former Balogun who positively impacted the town through his strength and gallantry succeeding in many war expeditions which was highly instrumental to the growth of the town at that era.

From the palace, the new Balogun and his wife later played host to their entourage and guests at the ancient St.James Pry.School, Ugbe Akoko field.

At the venue of the reception was the final stage of the rite where another symbolic presentation of warrior amulets and artifacts were officially presented to Balogun by High Chief Oluwole Babasanya,the Otunba of Ugbeland.

Otunba Babasanya while presenting the traditional amulets prayed for the Balogun by evoking the spirit of their fore fathers into the items that Ugbeland under his command and reign will witness peace, progress,unity, Harmony and development.

Babasanya who is one of the most respected elites in Ugbeland and currently the leader of Isowopo Communities in Akoko North East LG explained the significance of this final traditional rite.

He said that the position of Balogun of Ugbeland can be equated to the Bashorun Gaa or Aare Onakakanfo in other kingdoms because both are Warlords, Balogun is the Generalissimo and Commander of Ugbe Warriors that is why he is being fortified for his new position.

Babasanya also gave a remarkable historical details into the role of Bashorun of Ugbe saying that, “that Balogun position is revered not contestable nor transferable because our customs and traditions in Ugbeland forbade it as only the descendants of Balogun lineage that are eminently qualified to occupy and be coronated as Balogun.

He added that though expectations are high but he can vouch that the new Balogun who is the 2nd in line of Balogun of Ugbeland and a direct descendant of his progenitor and he assures the people of Ugbe Kingdom that High Chief Balogun has the capabilities to ascend the office and perform credibly.

In his appreciation, High Chief Balogun thanked the Olugbe of Ugbe Kingdom,Oba Ajiboye,all the High Chiefs,traditionalists, religious leaders, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders and his guests for the great honor.

Balogun promised that his tenure will be more remarkable as he aimed to surpass the achievements of his great grandfathers by making sure Ugbeland is fully secured from all forms of invasions, attacks or aggressions as he will protect Ugbeland jealously ahead of the next generation.