Political differences temporarily gave way to friendship and cultural unity in Eruwa, Ibarapaland, as leaders across party lines gathered to honour distinguished sons and daughters of the community.
The gathering, held as part of activities marking the first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, saw members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) share the same platform and join in traditional dancing.
Politicians and other stakeholders who would ordinarily face each other during election campaigns exchanged pleasantries and celebrated together, highlighting the enduring ties of community and shared heritage beyond political affiliations.
Among those honoured at the ceremony were Dr Olusola Ayandele, popularly known as Eruobodo, and his wife, Dr Folayimika Ayandele, as well as Chief Adewale Atanda, popularly known as Alase, and his wife.
The Eleruwa conferred on Ayandele the title of Aare Bobagunwa of Ibarapaland, while his wife was installed as Yeye Aare Bobagunwa of Ibarapaland.
Atanda was also honoured as Otunba of Ibarapaland, with his wife receiving the title of Yeye Otunba.
For the Ayandeles, the recognition came days after they received chieftaincy titles from the Onidere of Idere, Oba Kingsley Onikola, who conferred on them the titles of Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Idere.
The latest honours further recognised the couple’s contributions to their communities’ development and placed them among individuals acknowledged by traditional institutions across Ibarapaland.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers from across the region, including the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; Olu-Aso of Iberekodo land, Oba Adedamola Badmus; and the Onidere of Idere, Oba Kingsley Onikola.
Other dignitaries included the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; former Deputy Governor and Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo; APM governorship candidate, Abimbola Adekanmbi; former Oyo State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas; and Executive Director, South West Development Commission, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.
Also present were Alhaja Bose Adedibu, members of the Oyo State APC executive, prominent APM and PDP chieftains, captains of industry, community leaders and other guests.
As the celebration continued, politicians from different parties were seen dancing together, underscoring how political competition can coexist with mutual respect and a commitment to developing their shared homeland.
Performing the conferment of the titles, Oba Adegbola said the honours formed part of activities marking his first year on the throne and provided an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose contributions and accomplishments had brought pride to Eruwa and Ibarapaland.
In his remarks, Ogundoyin congratulated the newly installed chiefs, describing their recognition as a testament to their contributions to the people’s development and well-being.
The Speaker stressed that traditional titles were not merely ornaments or symbols of social prestige, but carried significant responsibilities to the people and communities they represented.
He commended Oba Adegbola for dedicating part of his first coronation anniversary to recognising and celebrating distinguished sons and daughters of Ibarapaland, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the monarch’s commitment to unity, cultural preservation and community development.
Ogundoyin urged the newly installed chiefs to see their elevation as a renewed call to service, noting that the titles should inspire them to contribute even more meaningfully to the growth, peace and prosperity of Ibarapaland.
He also prayed for continued wisdom, strength and a peaceful reign for the Eleruwa, while urging the people of Eruwa and the wider Ibarapaland to continue supporting initiatives that promote unity and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the people.