For the towering magnate, the path to
honour doesn’t lay out in flat miles, it’s riddled with trials of
fortune and intrigues of commerce. Eventually, it’s the imagination with
which he perceives industry and the gestures by which he honours it
that stands him out from his peer. Armed with this ageless wisdom,
notable sons of Ijebu land sought their niche in the world of commerce.
And having attained acclaim and global
deference in the cutthroat world of industry, they silently seek good
graces of their kingdom’s paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the
Awujale of Ijebu. As you read, illustrious sons of Ijebu are
being
considered for the kingdom’s highest honour for merchants and a son of
the soil. The title: Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land (Leader of Commerce and
Industry in Ijebu) is currently in contention and Oba Adetona is no
doubt having a hard time deciding who, among his subjects, is worthy of
the much coveted honour.
The title, which is one of the biggest
titles in Ijebu is bestowed on recipients according to the prerogative
of the Awujale. It is usually given to a very successful businessman who
is accomplished in his chosen career. In recent history, the two men
who have held the title were accomplished men of immense means. The
first Ogbeni Oja was late Chief Adeola Odutola, an Ijebu icon who in his
lifetime was easily one of the most successful industrialists in
Yorubaland. When he died, the Awujale made Otunba Bayo Kuku, the next
Ogbeni Oja. And he again was a very rich and successful businessman. He
died a few years ago. Since then, that seat has been vacant.
Then there is the Fototek boss, Chief
Adegunwa. He is also very rich and close to the Awujale. He is from
Ososa. Could it also be Oba Otudeko? The latter, a successful
industrialist, is close to the Awujale as well. Another likely contender
for the title is Chief Sonny Kuku. Kuku is currently the Olorogun of
Ijebuland. He is an accomplished Medical Doctor and businessman. But
while Ijebu’s royal circuit mull over the likely recipient of the
esteemed title, not a few people are wondering if the Awujale would risk
making the title one family’s birth right by replacing a Kuku with Kuku
as the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land. Only time will tell.
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