His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has officially installed Alhaja Muinat Adenike Apeke Adeniran as the new Iyalode of Oyo.
The colorful installation ceremony took place last Friday at the Aganju Forecourt inside the ancient palace, drawing dignitaries, women leaders, and community members.
According to a press release signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the installation was performed having considered her qualities of being “a conscientious woman who is characterized by a strong sense of duty, exceptional self-discipline, and a meticulous approach to her personal life to oversee the affairs of women for the overall development of the city.”
As the traditional head of women in the kingdom, Alhaja Adeniran was appointed to oversee women’s affairs, drive local economic initiatives, and foster social cohesion across the city. The Alaafin selected her in recognition of her strong sense of duty, self-discipline, and dedicated service to the community.
Performing the installation on behalf of the Alaafin on Friday at the Aganju ForeCourt in the ancient Palace, his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke Owoade, said that anyone who holds title from the Alaafin must be found suitable for it; hence, the need for the new Iyalode to comport herself in such a manner because the chieftaincy title is rooted in tradition.
She stated that the new Iyalode should let her allegiance be total to the Alaafin, to act as the emotional and structural backbone of the city through active caregiving, economic contribution, and social leadership.
In her words, she said, “Your true dedication to building the city will make you consider others more important than yourself. You must showcase this by looking also to the interest of others. You must rejoice in opportunities to be inconvenienced, understanding that these inconveniences are gifts from the gracious hand of God that desires a heart of compassion and mercy.
“As a woman who is truly dedicated to building the city, you must be hospitable, seeking to swing wide the doors of heart and home. Your neighborhood will find respite within the walls of your home and refuge in the conversation and encouragement you offer.
“You must not allow divisive or cruel speech in your presence, but uplift others, and maintain confidences whenever safe to do so. Be quick to praise and slow to criticize. You must be mindful of how your words and actions impact the people, striving to be fair, kind, and emotionally aware, and be selfless, stand up consistently for what’s good and right even when it’s unseen or unpopular, and never yield integrity to what’s convenient or common.
Responding, the new Iyalode of Oyo, Alhaja Adeniran, pledged her unalloyed allegiance to the Alaafin and the wellbeing of the people at all times, promising to display great dynamism and display ingenuity and creativity in finding alternatives to any situation, as well as foster and mobilise collectively to create a conducive atmosphere for the peaceful reign of the Paramount Ruler on the throne.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
