Chief Smith Olalekan Ajifowobaje was on Tuesday 10th November, 2020 installed as the Saloro of Egboro kingdom. The event brought the creme of the society from within and outside of the town, as well as notable veteran actors in the Nollywood movie industry to the ancient town of Ijebu-Jesa.
During the installation, the Elegboro of IJebu-Jesa, HRM Oba (Engr.) Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye eulogised the new chief and enjoined him to be closer home as his chieftaincy is an important symbol, the second in command in the Bajimo group. The monarch also called on the wives and children as well as the entire people of Odo-Oja quarters to give him maximum support in order to succeed in his new position.
Born and bred in Ijebu-Jesa, the new Saloro attended St. Matthew Primary School, Ijebu-Jesa and later, Esa-Oke Grammar School before bagging a Bachelor of Arts honours in History from Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University). He also attended Greenwich University in the United Kingdom for HND in Management and Social Care. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Focus Care Training Consultancy Limited based in the UK.
A seasoned Yoruba Poet (akewi), Chief Lekan Ajifowobaje is also a dramatist and a playwright. He founded both Otaforijeja Cultural Group and Otaforijeja Travelling Thearter Group in Ijebu-Jesa back in the early 80s.
Dignitaries at the event include traditional rulers such as the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, Olodogo of Odogo, Alahun of Ilahun, Olura of Ira, Elere of Ere, Alapeju of Ilupeju, Ajagunla of Apoti-Dagbaja among others.
As an actor, it was not a surprise to see veteran Nigerian movie stars in attendance. They include Chief Lere Paimo (Eda Onile-Ola), Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Alhaji Salihu Dasofunjo and others. The crowd were entertained by the Egboro Cultural Group and Omalore Cultural Troupe from Owo in Ondo State.
