By John Odunayo
It was yet another historical occasion in the life of the people of Moba in Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos and Benin Republic as the Elekan of Ekan in Kwara State, Oba Olaniyan David Adekunle, paid a royal visit to the Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo.
The visit, which once again brought to the fore, the bond among the communities in Mobaland in the different states and Benin Republic, was yet another moment for them to celebrate and foster unity, peace and development.
The new Elekan came on the historic royal visit to his elder brother, the Oore of Otun Ekiti and paramount ruler of Mobaland, for the performance of traditional rites in company with a large retinue of sons and daughters of Ekan in Kwara State.
The ceremonies began with a grand reception of the Elekan and his royal entourage in the palace of the Oore. Drummers, praise singers, and dancers adorned in cultural regalia created an atmosphere rich with heritage and pride
The visit, which is part of the rites for a new Elekan in line with ancient Moba customs as laid down by the forebears of the two Kingdoms, essentially traces the origin of the Kwara community and its tradition and culture to its roots in Mobaland.
The Elekan’s entourage to the Oore Palace comprised distinguished dignitaries including the Kwara State Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr Mrs Mary Ronke Arinde; the National President of Ekan Development Association (EDA), Barr. Anthony Kayode Towoju; EDA Executive Council members and many Ekan sons and daughters.
The Oore, Oba Adeagbo, flanked by Otun Ekiti chiefs and Moba people in their numbers, were at the palace to receive the Elekan and his people.
EDA National Publicity Secretary, Olushola Gabriel Arinde, described the royal visit as “a reunion of royal siblings and a reaffirmation of ancestral bonds rooted deeply in Moba heritage.
“The event marks an important milestone in the formal enthronement and spiritual fortification of the new Elekan, symbolizing his full integration into the revered circle of traditional rulers in Yorubaland especially the 16 Moba Kingdoms.
“According to custom, the Elekan and the Oore being of the same royal bloodline and descendants of a shared royal progenitor must partake in a sacred rite that connects the throne of Ekan to the source of its ancestral authority in Moba Land.
“This traditional rite, often kept within the folds of royal secrecy, is said to bestow legitimacy, spiritual guidance, and the blessings of the ancestors upon the new Ekan king,” the EDA spokesperson said.
In his address, the Elekan, Oba Olaniyan Adekunle, lauded the Oore for upholding the sacred traditions and playing a pivotal role in his royal journey.
The Elekan said, “This rite is not just about the crown on my head, but about the spirit of our ancestors that lives through our customs. I am deeply honored to be recognized in this way, by my own brother, and by our people”.
Responding, the Oore, hailed the Elekan for his humility, leadership and commitment to the cultural heritage of their lineage.
Oba Adeagbo said, “This occasion is not only a personal family reunion, but a powerful moment of unity for all Moba sons and daughters. When tradition and blood unite, peace and prosperity follow.
“This event is to show that the Oore and the Elekan are from the same source and that their ties must be maintained being in different states in present day notwithstanding.
“However, my appeal to my brother, the Elekan, is that there is the need for all Moba communities to continue in unity. We should support our sons and daughters wherever they are. We should continually pray for their elevation and the development of our communities,” Oba Adeagbo said.
