By Otunba T.J Abass
Oba Sabutee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu ll, the Agura of Gbaguraland confers chieftaincy titles on Otunba Jaiyeola Daramola and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Toyin Daramola, amidst pomp and ceremony.
The essence of the conferment of any chieftaincy title besides the flamboyance and the flair associated with the event is the heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous contributions of the beneficiary of the prestigious title to the socio-economic development of the society, particularly the locality where the conferment takes place.
It is, therefore, not surprising that friends and well-wishers gathered on Friday, March 11th, to witness another moment in the lives of both Otunba Jayeola Daramola and Yeye Mrs Toyin Daramola(Nee Adeyi).
The allure of the Palace of the Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu 11, the Agura of Gbagura land attracted friends and well-wishers who came from far and near to celebrate with the Daramolas, as both were conferred with the chieftaincy titles of the Baameeto and Yeye Baameto of Gbagura land respectively.
The royal presence of virtually all the custodians of the traditional values in the Epe division, Egba land and Egbado land of Ogun bears a testament to the event’s significance.
Otunba Jaiye Daramola, an accomplished businessman, a corporate lawyer, is based in the United Kingdom.
The Epe born entrepreneur, despite a change in his residency, has consistently demonstrated an uncommon spirit of altruism, making lives more meaningful to the underprivileged.
The title of Baameto is not only befitting but succinctly captures the robust and illustrious story of the public and private life of Otunba Jaiye Daramola.
“I couldn’t have made it this far without the helping hands that shaped my life”, he said in an interview with Eko Hot Blog.
“Therefore, it becomes imperative to extend my helping hand to the needy and the voiceless in society, Otunba Jaiyeola Daramola continued”.
“It is a simple process to be altruistic, to be compassionate and to imbibe the spirit of volunteerism. It is fulfilling to dedicate your time and resources to lifting others from perpetual box of poverty to a life of abundant opportunities.”
“The chieftaincy title provides them ample opportunity to do more for the society, and I am determined to continue on that course.”
I thank God for my life and my family. The support of my wife in my life. Today is her birthday. She is 65 today, and she looks more beautiful and radiant. I wish her long life and God’s blessing.
The Title of Yeye Baameeto of Gbagura land cannot be more felicitous than to be conferred on yet another accomplished individual, a veteran broadcaster and a proud daughter of Gbagura Kingdom, the heartthrob of Otunba Jaiyeola Daramola, Yeye Toyin Daramola. (Née Adeyi)
Yeye Toyin Daramola’s status as a community activist dates back to her years as a Newscaster at NTA Abeokuta, FRCN, Radio Lagos, to mention a few of her sojourn in the broadcasting industry.
Whether by design, fate or providence, the conferment ceremony could not have come at a better time for Yeye Mrs Toyin Daramola, whose birthday, March 11th, coincides with the conferment ceremony. She did not fail to acknowledge the unfailing mercy and blessing of God in her life and her family.
‘Today is a special day. I clock incredible 65 years, and I am honoured with a chieftaincy title in my place of birth. It is an extraordinary moment for me, and I cannot quantify what this moment portends,’ she said.
‘It is a special moment when you are recognised for a consistent and committed effort in making the life of the downtrodden in our society more meaningful.
It is more remarkable to have clocked 65 years of existence and survived the most virulent virus.
This calls for celebration and thanksgiving,’ Yeyemeeto of Gbagura land said.
Today, my husband and I come into the house of the Lord with offerings and thanksgiving for His protection, and I will continue to dedicate my life to serving others, particularly the less fortunate ones in society.
The traditional ceremony was professionally coordinated but not devoid of the traditional ambience expected of an event of that magnitude.
It was a well-attended ceremony amidst friends and well-wishers witnessing the traditional rites, the obligations, the expectations and the responsibilities expected from them as they were well espoused and articulated by HRM, Oba Saburee, the Agura of Gbagura land.
Oba Saburee, the Agura of Gbagura land, while performing the traditional rites, reminded them of the occasion’s significance, the motivating factor behind the conferment of the chieftaincy titles, their genuine love for the community and humankind.
He admonished them to continue putting Gbagura on the map and their priority list. He also admonished them to be unrelenting in their pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
“You have always been a part of the developmental process of this community, and your input as agents of development of Gbagura is well documented”.
“I, therefore, beseech you to be unrelenting and always give back to Gbagura as you have always done.’
“When you prepare the list of things to do, let Gbagura be on top of your priority list of things to do.”
This is what is expected of you, and with the backing of the Almighty God and the support of the entire people of Gbagura, it will be an attainable goal.
“I pray for God’s guidance and blessings in your home and businesses. Congratulations to you all.”
The reception followed immediately at the banquet hall of the magnificent Conference Hotel, where guests were treated to a wide array of scrumptious and mouth-watering delicacies characteristic of a 5-star Hotel.
The music of Tolu Obey Fabiyi, the son of Chief Ebenezer Obey, delighted the guests who travelled far and near to witness the event.
It was indeed a soothing balm to the aching joints of the guests as they were literally kept on their feet throughout the day.
In an interview with Eko Hot Blog, HRM Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, who led a retinue of traditional rulers(the last count was 20 traditional rulers) to grace the occasion, described the duo as the embodiment of altruism whose unstinting virtues transcend Gbagura but reverberates globally.
“Both of them are my chiefs, and their contributions to the development of Noforija kingdom and other parts of the state are unquantifiable. Hence, it becomes imperative we are part of the epochal event to throw the royal weight around the amazing couple,’ Oba Ogunlaja averred.
The former commissioner of police, Otunba Damilola Adegbuyi, the Apesin of Odo Noforija Kingdom, felicitates the couple. He also reminded them of the significance of the chieftaincy title, a covenant between them and the community.
The covenant must be upheld, and the community’s interest should be preeminent above others in rank and authority.”
“The chieftaincy title confers the right and the authority to stand in for the Royal Majesty. You are his mirror.”
“You are his ambassador, and it is a covenant between you and the people of your community, and honesty becomes your watchword,” Otunba Adegbuyi concluded.
The president of Lisabi Exquisite Ladies, Chief Mrs Adebanke Amodu, CEO Banke’s Kitchen, London, congratulates the couple on the conferment of the Baameto and Yeye Meto Of Gbagura land.
“Yeyemeto is the secretary of the Lisabi Exquisite Ladies and a sister. Today is her birthday, and I wish her many more years of God’s blessing.”
“My admonition for her is not to deviate from the virtues, values and disposition that have sustained her to this point in her life, for she is the embodiment of graciousness,” Chief Mrs Adebanke Amodu concluded.
Another member of the Lisabi Exquisite Ladies,
Alhaja Taiwo Olayinka Obaomo, the ~ assistant secretary of the organisation, also attested to the good-natured couple’s spirit of giving.
“I have known Aunty Toyin for several years, and I can tell you without mincing words that she and her husband are selfless.”
“I wish her the best of the moment as she celebrates a milestone, 65 years of existence. I congratulate both of them on the chieftaincy titles and pray for God’s continued presence in their lives,” she said.
“The Lisabi Exquisites Ladies is a non-profit organisation created by ladies of Egba extraction residing in London. The organisation’s goal is to make a difference in our community and the lives of our members. We have embarked on numerous live changing initiatives. We will continue to explore other avenues that will further the actualisation of our objectives as an organisation,” Alhaja Taiwo affirmed.
In the same vein, the chief whip of the Lisabi Exquisite Ladies, Princess Adebisi Kuforiji, described Yeye Mrs Toyin Daramola as an affable person whose love for her community both in the diaspora and in Nigeria is indisputable.
‘I thank God for her life and that of her husband.
I congratulate her as she celebrates yet another watershed moment in life, 65 years of existence on earth. I wish her long life and abundant blessing and protection.”
“She is already a pillar in the community. Hard work is rewarding because reaching out to help the needy has always been her forte. The chieftaincy title will afford her the opportunity to do more exploits and become a vanguard for the underprivileged in our society,” she said.
It was indeed a well-packaged event as the music of Tolu Obey Fabiyi, along with the masterful choreography of the DJ and the master of the ceremonies, kept the guests spellbound for most of the evening into the wee hour.
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