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THE NATION FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 23, 2012
SOCIETY
All hail Aare Ago and Erelu Aare Ago •Continued from page 25
lence, applauded the Yeye Asiwaju for her knowledge of native custom. The ceremony began around 2.30 pm, with the rendering of the National Anthem and Egba anthem composed in the 18th Century by the famous cleric, the late Rev. Ransome-Kuti. Following the anthems, Egba warriors with their swords filed out to pay homage to the Alake, followed by the Parakoyis (aristocrats), Ogbonis (confraternity) led by the Oluwo, and Erelus (female chiefs) led by the Iyalode. They all prayed for good health and long life for the Oba. Preceding the installation was the reading of Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju's citations by an Egba chief. It was followed by the administration of the oath of allegiance. No living Egba man or woman had witnessed the installation of Tinubu's predecessor who died in 1912. But the tradition appeared to have been passed down from generation to generation in oral history. There was silence. Then, Tinubu's name was called thrice by an Egba chief. He answered in Yoruba, in a deep voice, signalling his readiness to take the prestigious title. Then, he was presented with the written oath, which he read out loud:"I Ahmed Bola Tinubu, now installed as the Aare Ago of Egbaland today November 19, 2012, pledge to perform all the duties of my title honestly, conscientiously, and loyally". Tinubu, also pledged to respect Egba tradition at all times. Mrs. Tinubu was taken through the same process by the Iyalode and another female chief. The historical import was not lost on traditionalists in attendance. Henceforth, in his crusades, the Aare Ago will be busy fighting for justice and the defence of Egbaland; the Erelu Aare Ago will be playing a supportive role like the legendary Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu, who supported the Egba warriors of yore to conquer through her arms supply. A beautifully designed, long warrior cap, heavy flowing beads and a staff of office were the insignias of the Aare Ago title. Adding comic relief to the event, the first class ruler jocularly explained that the Aare Ago warrior cap was long because it had been loaded with lots of native medicine, juju. After decorating Tinubu with the insignias, Oba Gbadebo said he had become the "Commander of Supreme Eminence" of Egbaland. Tinubu raised the staff of office up, meaning that he was battle ready. But there will be no tribal war to fight in Yorubaland again. The chiefs laughed, after clarifying that he would now be assisting the Egba monarch and chiefs in the maintenance of peace in the Alake's domain. Mrs. Tinubu was decorated with a lesser crown, long bead and traditional hand fan, before she was pronounced as the Erelu Aare. The Erelus swarmed her as she made history as the first holder of the title in Egbaland. Tinubu pledged "to defend, respect, honour and support the institution of chieftaincy in Egbaland. He promised to cooperate with the monarch and his chiefs in the execution of projects that would benefit Egba people
•Oba Gbadebo and his wife, Olori Tokunbo
•Governors Ajimobi (left) and Amosun
•Ogbeni Aregbesola (left) hugging Aremo Osoba
•Governor Fashola
•Oba Akiolu
•Hon Masari
•Mallam Ribadu
and humanity. "You are a good ruler. You deserve the throne of your forefathers. God brought you to this throne. He will give you good health and long life. May you live long. All Oloris will continue to bear royal children. Your horsetails will multiply because you are not a poor Oba. I also greet our fathers, the various obas. I thank you all", the Aare Ago said. Turning to his associates and their wives, he added: 'I thank you all. You our wives, we will be lords over you to the end. Awa la maa lo yin gbo o. Some of you will give birth to "chieftaincy children". Our love and friendship will endure forever". The Erelu Aare Ago exuded joy, saying: "I thank you Kabiyesi for the honour. May you live long than those before you. May Egba continue to witness progress under your leadership". Alake Gbadebo prayed for the couple. After blessing a cup of water, he gave it to the couple to drink. Demonstrating that his kingdom permitted religious harmony, the Oba, who is a Chris-
tian, prayed in Islamic way, saying La awla wala ku wata illa billahi aliyu azeem and rounded it off with Subhana Rabbika robil izzati ama yasifun, wa salam alal mursaleen, wa hamdulillahi rabil alameen. The monarch explained the significance of the honour bestowed on the Asiwaju."Aare Ago is not a terminal position. It is a ratification of greatness. Aare Ago is meant for warriors; those who have been to war and fought gallantly", he said. After praying for Tinubu, he also requested Oba Akiolu to pray for the former governor. The installation over, Egba chiefs supervised the collection of "basket money" from the new chiefs and dignitaries. To the host governor, Amosun, an Egba from Owu, Tinubu deserves the title. He congratulated the couple, urging them to intensify their service to humanity. "You deserve the honour. It is a call to do more and a challenge to do more for Egbaland, Lagos, Southwest and Nigeria", he told the ACN national leader. Osoba, also an Egba indigene,
said the cap fits Asiwaju Tinubu. Giving the vote of thanks, he recalled that Tinubu would have been given the title seven years ago, in appreciation of his kind gesture to the monarch during the obaship tussle in Egbaland. He said the power that be then frustrated the plan. Osoba thanked Tinubu for lending a hand to the great prince when he was struggling to mount the throne of his forefathers, adding that the regent, Chief Alani Bankole, who was absent at the ceremony, also deserves praise. The ceremony was witnessed by ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; his delectable wife, Erelu Bisi; Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Senate Minority Leader George Akume; Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Tawakalitu Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; her Ogun State counterpart, Prince Segun Adesegun; Secretary to Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule; former Trade Minister Mrs. Nike Akande;
•Chief Akande
•Alhaji Mohammed
former Speaker of the House of Representative, Alhaji. Aminu Bello Masari; former ANPP National Chairman Alhaji Yusuf Ali; former federal legislator and ACN National Secretary Dr. Usman Bugaje; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Mr. Ayo Opadokun; Senator Anthony Adefuye; and Ondo State ACN governorship candidate Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). Others are Otunba Busura Alebiosu; Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Pa Olorunfunmi Basorun; Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Chief Akanni Seriki-Bamu; Pa M.A. Taiwo; former Sokoto State Military Administrator Raji Rashidi; Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East); Senator Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central); Senator Akin Odunsi; Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; House of Representa•Continued on page 27