By Nudoiba Ojen
Professor of Microbiology and the Director of Advancement Centre, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Prof. Bukola Oyawoye, is a giant in many aspects.
Talk of academics, politics, socio-economic circles, community service, philanthropy and church development, Prof. Oyawoye, a former commissioner in Osun State, is everywhere contributing her quota, no doubt the recognitions coming her way from different directions.
The honour bestowed on her by the Elere of Ere-Ijesa, HRM Oba Augustine Alowolodu III, on Friday, April 12, 2024 and the dignitaries that thronged the Elere Palace for the event spoke volumes about the person of the don.
That day, Friday April 12, 2024, Oba Alowolodu installed Prof Oyawoye as the Erelu of Ere-Ijesa Kingdom in the Oriade Local Government area of Osun State and formally decorated her with the new title.
The traditional ruler also installed Erelu’s husband, Prof. Enoch Oyawoye, as the Otuba Amuludun of Ere-Ijesa.
Oba Alowolodu, while justifying the choice said, “The Erelu has proven herself to be a philanthropist, an outstanding woman of substance who always has the Ere-Ijesa community at heart by always providing palliative measures and reliefs package to the Ere-Ijesa community”.
In her speech at the ceremony, the newly crowned Erelu expressed profound appreciation to the Elere and Ere-Ijesa Kingdom, indigenes for the honour bestowed on her and her family with the highly exalted position.
The Erelu promised to work incredibly for the progress of the Kingdom and strengthen the unity of members of the Kingdom globally.
She said, “I am honoured to be recognized by the Elere and to be singled out among the great and deserving women of our community. This is a huge responsibility.
“I strongly believe that during my time, I will work assiduously for the progress of the kingdom. I am grateful for the prayers and the huge turnout of friends and families who came from far and near for this important occasion,” the Erelu said.
Among dignitaries and notable traditional rulers at the cultural event were the Elegboro of Ijebu Ijesa, Oba Moses Agunsoye; the Olodogo of Odogo Ijesa, Oba Adebisi Owoeye; the Owalare of Ilare-Ijesa, Oba Emmanuel Adejoro Otebolaku and the Oniwoye of Iwoye Ijesa Oba Amos Adewunmi Ogidiolu.
The included the Oluwa of Ira Ijesa and some high chiefs from Ilare Ijesa including the Asiwaju Oyedeji Olajubu, Asiwaju of the Ilare Kingdom, Chief Adekunle Falope Lodifi of Ilare Kingdom, Chief Bayo Feyitimi Saloro of Ilare Kingdom and many others
