The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, has installed the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and other prominent chieftains of the party as traditional titleholders in Oke-Ona Egba, Abeokuta.

The colourful installation ceremony, held on Thursday at the monarch's palace in Sapon, Abeokuta, also saw Adebutu's wife, Yeye Adenike Omolola Adebutu, conferred with the title of Yeye Lisa Aje of Oke-Ona Egba.

Other prominent PDP figures honoured included Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who was installed as Okanlomo Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba; the party's State Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, as Fiwagbola of Oke-Ona Egba; and Alhaja Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, who received the title of Olu Nla Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba.

Also installed were Arch. Dele Olaleye as Sesogbayi of Oke-Ona Egba; Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello as Oluomo Obinrin of Oke-Ona Egba; and Chief Abiodun Ogunremi as Otun Olu-Nla of Oke-Ona Egba.

The ceremony attracted prominent political figures, traditional rulers, community leaders and other dignitaries, with members of the Ogun State PDP leadership in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Oba Tejuoso described the chieftaincy titles as more than ceremonial recognitions, explaining that they were reserved for individuals whose character, credibility and contributions had earned the confidence of the traditional institution.

The monarch specifically described Adebutu as a tested and trustworthy personality, saying his antecedents and character had been observed over time.

“Ladi Adebutu is a tested man. He is somebody whose character and antecedents we have observed over time. We consider him a trustworthy person, someone we believe can be relied upon. That is why we have found him deserving of this honour,” the monarch said.

He urged Adebutu and his wife to use the recognition and influence associated with their new positions to promote development in Oke-Ona Egba and Ogun State.

“I pray that you and your wife will use honour to bring development to Oke-Ona and Ogun State at large. This honour will not bring shame to you and your family. This honour will lift you up the most. So shall it be,” Oba Tejuoso added.

The monarch also charged the other titleholders to deploy their positions and influence towards the growth and development of Oke-Ona Egba and the wider Egbaland.

In his response, Adebutu expressed appreciation to the monarch and the entire Oke-Ona Egba traditional institution for finding him worthy of the recognition, describing the honour as a responsibility and a call to greater service.

He pledged to continue contributing to the development of Egbaland and Ogun State, stressing that the recognition had further reinforced his commitment to the welfare and progress of the people.

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition and I sincerely appreciate Kabiyesi, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, and the entire Oke-Ona Egba traditional institution for considering me worthy of this title.

“I do not see this honour as just a traditional recognition or something to celebrate and forget. I see it as a responsibility and a call to greater service. It is a reminder that the people expect more from those who have been entrusted with positions of honour,” he said.

Adebutu assured the traditional institution that he would remain committed to initiatives capable of improving the living conditions of the people.

“Our people deserve meaningful development, better opportunities and an environment where everyone can prosper,” he said.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the new titleholders by Oba Tejuoso, alongside other traditional rites associated with their installation.