VIDEO: Give us new Awujale before Eid-el-Kabir, Ijebu Chief Imam begs Abiodun

In a heartfelt plea, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Alhaji Miftaudeen Ayanbadejo, has called upon Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to expedite the selection and installation of a new Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebu land. The appeal, made during a send-off ceremony for Hajj pilgrims, emphasizes the critical need for the monarch to be in place before the upcoming Eid al-Adha, commonly known as Ileya festival.

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Your Excellency, I want to say that with this magnificent airport that you have built, which is now making it possible for the Hajj pilgrims to be airlifted from Ogun State to Saudi Arabia rather than going to Lagos with all the stress and sometimes flight delays and diversion, you have certainly written your name in gold and we shall always be ever grateful to you.

The Chief Imam, speaking with deep reverence, highlighted the cultural and traditional significance of the Ileya festival to the Ijebu people, describing it as their most important celebration. The absence of a monarch, he explained, could disrupt long-standing traditions and the spiritual essence of the occasion. He invoked the names of revered traditional rulers from neighboring regions, imploring the governor to heed the people's request.

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However, Governor, I am using the names of all our royal fathers, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land and the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewa land to beg you that the Muslim festival, Ileya (Eid-del-Kabir) is just a few days away, yet the Ijebu land is yet to have the new Awujale.

This appeal comes shortly after a similar call from the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, who urged the governor to allow the kingmakers to conclude the selection process, which had been halted. The Chief Imam acknowledged the governor's developmental strides, particularly the new international airport, but stressed that installing the new Awujale would be a profound gesture of respect and continuity, honoring the memory of the late monarch and fulfilling the desires of the Ijebu people both at home and in the diaspora.

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In Ijebu land, the Eid-el Kabir is about the most important festival that we celebrate, and this is the reason why just two weeks after we celebrate one festival, we would have started saving funds for next year.