The sleepy town of Okeho in Kajola Local Government of Oyo State came alive on Saturday when traditional rulers, politicians, friends, family and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with a distinguished son of the town, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, who was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Okeho. TAYO JOHNSON reports.
The countrified town of Okeho in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State sparkled as local residents shirked all their commercial and other activities to join several distinguished guests who came from far and near to be part of a moment of glory for a notable academic.
For them, it was a rare opportunity to play host to such notable individuals and witness such once-in-two-decade event. The community conferred on Mr. Segun Gbadegesin the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Okeho.
Mr Gbadegesin is a Professor of Philosophy, Head, Department of Philosophy and Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington DC, United States of America (USA). His wife, Adetoun, was also honoured as the Yeye Asiwaju of Okeho.
Prof. Gbadegesin worked as an undercover operative during the dark days of the Gen. Sanni Abacha dictatorship. He was one of the main anchors of Radio Kudirat, the propaganda organ of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
The occasion, which was the grand finale of the week-long 70th birthday of the don, was also a showcase for the launch the Segun and Adetoun Gbadegesin Family Foundation (SAGFF).
As early as 7:30 a.m., the palace of Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Adeitan II, had been filled to capacity by friends and family members who came from all walks of life.
Drummers and traditional dancers welcomed guests as they find their way to the crowd of natives into the palace. The dancers gyrated in deep ecstasy to the tunes from the local drums offering warm welcome to the guests in the Yoruba traditional way.
Prof. Gbadegesin, decked in a purple Aso-Oke with Abeti-Aja cap, arrived at the palace with his wife and children around 10:10 a.m.
They arrived to the warm embrace of guests with locals struggling to catch a good glimpse of one of their own.
During his installation as the Asiwaju of Okeho, the Onjo described the don as an illustrious son of the town who has contributed immensely to its development as well as the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria through his activities in the US.
According to the monarch, despite the fact that Prof. Gbadegesin and his family live in the United States, no development in Okeho can be mentioned without reference to his name.
Giving reasons for the conferment of the traditional title on the erudite Prof., the monarch said: “He was very active in the struggle and events that led to my enthronement as Onjo of Okeho in 2003. He built a library for his Alma Mater, First Baptist Primary School Okeho. He has also made a lot of contributions to the ongoing palace projects.
“The establishment of a satellite campus of Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology in Okeho was made possible through his involvement and that of his son, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the then Commissioner for Health in Oyo State. He has made a lot of contributions to the ongoing palace project and his weekly Friday, back page column in The Nation Newspapers is a delight to so many newspaper readers, especially people of this community and his column does portray Okeho well.”
The Onjo urged the don to bring every Okeho indigene together under his leadership, irrespective of their political or religious leanings.
The monarch also urged him to ensure the completion of the palace project and also facilitate employment of school leavers in the town in both federal and state establishments.
In his remark, Prof. Gbadegesin promised to continue in his desire to foster development of his hometown, adding that all the requests of the monarch would be considered.
“I first rejected this chieftaincy title when the Kabiyesi contacted me because I think it is not until you bag a chieftaincy title that you can contribute to the development of your town. But why I later changed my mind was because I had earlier accepted a chieftaincy title from Iganna and it will not be well said if I do not accept the one from my hometown,” he said.
Prof. Gbadegesin urged sons and daughters of the town to unite and support one another irrespective of political or religious differences.
His son, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said:” I am not surprised that they are honouring him today because, all his life, he has showed love to his hometown in many practical ways. He has helped a lot of people to gain admission to schools, to find job and he has assisted in developmental projects.”
He described him as a true patriot of Okeho, adding that the recognition by the monarch shows that his people appreciate him and want him to continue to support the town.
Dignitaries present at the colourful event included former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Iyiola Oladokun; Chief Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. John Olalere; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Dr Biodun Popoola and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Ganiyu Adekunle Salawu Ologuunebi.
Others were Onitede of Tede, Oba Raufu Oladoyin; retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief Bisi Adesola; Alhaji Ali Oyedeji; Agba-Akin of Okeho, Alhaji Raji Bomodeoku; Chief Tunji Thomas; Prof.Y.K Salami; Chief Moyo Ajekigbe; Hon. Kola Olabiyi and Mr. Adeniyi Jolaoso.
In his tribute, Chief Iyiola Oladokun described the celebrator as a lover Oke-Ogun and a man that does not discriminate.
“I met him during my days as a student at Obafemi Awolowo University as a student. He taught me philosophy. He is very homely and he is a good role model to emulate,” he said.
Shortly after his installation, a grand reception was held at Okeho/Iganna Grammar School.
At the launch of the Segun and Adetoun Gbadegesin Family Foundation (SAGFF) at the reception, Dr Gbadegesin said the foundation was set up to provide quality health care and education for the people in the community.
He said:” Twenty indigent students will be given scholarship worth N50, 000 each annually from the 12 wards in this local government. Also, we shall ensure free health screening and treatment for 60 people in the 12 wards in this council area.”
Addressing guests at the reception, Prof. Gbadegesin expressed satisfaction with the chieftaincy title bestowed on him by his people.
“Community representation is something that one must take seriously. This recognition comes with responsibility and I pray that I will be up to the task. We are going to mobilise and get on with how to develop this town. I thank God for my 70th birthday, for the opportunity He has given me and for the many unmerited privileges I have had.
“I will be a servant leader because it’s a call to service. When that service is rendered without any presumptions, then one feels the satisfaction that comes with it and it’s a call to serve,” he said.
Prof. Gbadegesin assured that the foundation would be sustained with the assistance of his children.
