It was a joyous atmosphere as the delegation of the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa HRM Oba (Engr.) Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye paid a courtesy visit on foremost Ijebu-Jesa patriot, Pa Gabriel Onibonoje in his Ibadan residence on Thursday.
On arrival, the visibly elated elder stateman gave the team a warm welcome as he ushered them into the lawn under a palm tree inside the palatial mansion
Professor Taiwo Olowokure gave the message from the Elegboro. He noted that the Kabiyesi knows and appreciate the immeasurable contributions of Baba Onibonoje and would want the town to benefit more from his wealth of experience. Thus, the need for Baba’s further participation in the affairs of Ijebu-Jesa.
In his comments, Asiwaju Rotimi Obeisun gave glory to God for the opportunity to meet Pa Onibonoje in person. He narrated how his late father was very fond of Baba Onibonoje and the enthusiasm with which his father was paying for the community projects then. He further mentioned that he got his inspiration to bring many of his investments to Ijebu-Jesa from the efforts and sacrifices of Pa Onibonoje.
Speaking further, Chief Obeisun eulogised Baba as a great visionary leader whose vision of more than four decades ago are still very much relevant today. The Chairman Timsed Conglomerate then pleaded with the nonagenarian that the community would always run to him for advice and directions going forward.
Pa Bisi Oderinde went down memory lane as he gave lots of expository on the efforts of Baba Onibonoje and his team which culminated into many developmental projects and edifices which Ijebu-Jesa is proud of as at today. He pointed out that the Kabiyesi and the present leadership of IJUC are very much interested in involving Pa Onibonoje in other developmental strides.
The IJUC Global President appreciated Baba Onibonoje for receiving the team warmly. He confirmed how elated Baba was when he got to know that an Abudiore is now the president of IJUC. He noted that the communication between them had been very cordial and fruitful. He therefore used the avenue to appeal to Baba that he would constantly keep in touch to learn more from the elder stateman.
In response, Pa Gabriel Onibonoje whose excitement cannot not be hidden appreciated the Elegboro immensely. He was full of praises for the Olowokures who he referred to as his elders as they are a year older in age.
He further expressed his surprise at such a ‘big’ delegate which include the Elegboro staff that indicates the presence of Kabiyesi. He expressed his gratitude on the honour done him and confirmed his readiness to continually contribute his quotas to the growth and development of Ijebu-Jesa. He however noted that his movements have been largely restricted due to age, but that he would always offer useful guidance when necessary.
The nonagenarian however used the avenue to clear all insinuations around his withdrawal from activities in the town. Baba noted that he had to return to Ibadan then having completed the task of building a befitting town hall for Ijebu-Jesa. He pointed that his absence had affected the fortunes of the business and all that was crucial at that time was for him to return and revamp the business.
Pa Onibonoje also stressed the he has always been a very tough person who always sets his eyes on goals without giving in to detractors. Baba also took time to praise the love and patriotic stance of some of the people in his team who helped him in achieving that much for the community. He hailed the efforts of the likes of late Sajiku Odanye, late Pa Awe Abudu, late V.A Fatiregun late Solomon Abudiore, late Pa Olatumbi among others. He said they were largely uneducated people but with uncommon love and passion for Ijebu-Jesa.
After about three hours of interesting chats, journey down the memory lane, and business cum investments discussion the team took photographes with the nonagenarian before departure.
The envoy from Elegboro which was led by the duo of Bishop and Professor Olowokure also had the Global President for Ijebu-Jesa Unions’ Conference (IJUC), Engr. Oluwagbemiga Abudiore, Asiwaju of Egboro land, Chief Rotimi Obeisun, Sajiku of Egboro, High Chief Samuel Jegede, and Yeye Keta of Egboro, Chief (Mrs) Bose Ogunoye
Others in the envoy are the Chairman of Ijebu-Jesa Council of Princes and Princesses, Pa J.K Obisesan, elder stateman, Pa Bisi Oderinde, IJUC Organising Secretary, Mr Adedeji Fasosin, Mr Olaniyi Akintokun, Samson Adetona and Sunday Ademola Ojelabi, the Personal Assistant to the Kabiyesi who bears the Elegboro staff.
