The people of Ijebuland in Ogun State, South West of Nigeria and other top Nigerian stakeholders came together last Saturday to celebrate to colourful installation of Sulaiman Adegunwa, the chairman of Rite Foods as Asiwaju of Ijebu and his wife, Hajia Fatima Adegunwa as Yeye Asiwaju and Arobake of Ijebu.
Some of dignitaries in attendance include Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State governor; his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, Sonny Kuku, an entrepreneur; Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State; members of council of chiefs and other industrialists.
The installation was not only a celebration of Adegunwa’s hard work and dedication to his community, but also a testament to the strength and unity of the people of Ijebuland.
During the installation by Alaiyeluwa Oba, Sikiru.K Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the entire village around the Oba palace was buzzing with excitement and festivity, as people dressed in their traditional attires and filled the venue with lively music and dance.
As the drums of Ijebu filled the air, the Adegunwa’s installation was a ceremony rich in tradition and culture. The installation ceremony was a sight to behold, as cheers and applause of the onlookers filled the air.
Kashim Shettima who rode in the same vehicle with Dapo Abiodun as the duo wore the same traditional attire to the venue said he represented President Tinubu. He said we celebrate with Adegunwa and called on Nigerians to emulate Adegunwa’s benevolence.
Dapo Abiodun who spoke glowingly about Sulaiman Adegunwa described him as a foremost industrialist, investor and a philanthropist. He said it is indisputably correct that Adegunwa and his wife duly deserve the honour going by what they have contributed to humanity and their communities.
He said the contributions of the new Asiwaju who started his career in photography are indeed unquantifiable and worthy of commendations. He said the entrepreneur moved on to other businesses with time. According to the governor, Adegunwa’s slogan is ”I can and I will” who believes in hard and diligence with investments in banking and agric sectors.
In his response, the new Asiwaju promised that by Grace of God, he will try to live up to the people expectation.
Speaking to BusinessDay on the installation, Oba Kasim Adesina Salami, Oshobia of Imakun Omin in Ogun State said Adegunwa deserves the honour as almost all Obas have felt the positive impact of the Chairman of Rite Food. Similarly, Oba Abdulrasheed Obayo Banjo, the Olokini of Ojo Ijebu Igbo said Adegunwa has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of Ijebuland. “We are not surprised that he is being honoured by the paramount ruler and we pray for continuous life for him so that he can continue to contribute to the development of the town”
Eze Ekuma, Head, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability manager at Rite Foods said the entire staff is exceedingly proud that a man who is under reported is given the highest honour in Ijebuland. He said the whole of Ijebuland has stood up to recognise Adegunwa who has made so much investment in the socio-economic development of this country.
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