Osun Former Speaker, Salaam Bags Chieftaincy Title, Sues For Peace

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has been conferred with the title of Olu-Omo of Ejigbo land by the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, His Royal Majesty Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesoosin II.

The conferment on Salam, which took place at the Ogiyan Palace was attended by many dignitaries, as he called for concert efforts to entrench peace across nation.

Speaking shortly after the conferment of the title, the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin II, said the decision to bestow on Salaam such a prestigious chieftaincy title came on the basis of his contributions to the growth and development of the ancient community.

Oba Oyesosin, who was very happy with the caliber of the people that thronged the ancient town of Ejigbo described the new Olu-Omo as patriotic son, who has been able to maintain dignified humility and humanitarian principle he has chosen as a way of life.

He said Salaam is known for his unparalleled humility, sprawling native wisdom and rare generosity, adding that he has contributed immensely to the growth of the town.

The Ogiyan of Ejigbo therefore, enjoined other citizens of the town and the entire people at the gathering to emulate good attitude of Olu-Omo saying they should always remember that whatever they are doing people are watching them and looking for way to reward them.

Speaking, Salam appreciated the Ogiyan of Ejigbo for honoring him with the prestigious title and promised to continue working towards the development of the town.

The immediate past speaker, who was highly delighted for honouring him with the chieftaincy title said such honour will spur him and other people, both in public office and private engagement to show commitment to the growth of their places of origin.

He said: ” I am highly delighted for our Kabiesi and Ogiyan in Council to honour me with this prestigious chieftaincy title, Olu-Omo of Ejigboland.”

“Out of thousands of the people they count me worthy and bestowed on me the Olu-Omo of Ejigboland. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all the political office holders to always do good to their people because whatever we are doing people are watching us.

“This chieftaincy title has shown to me that it’s always good to be good and at all time we must be of good behavior because what people are planning for us we do not know. I don’t know that this is coming for me , Immediately I bowed out of office , they bestowed on me this prestigious chieftaincy title.

“This is a challenge to me, this kind of honour will spur me and other people, both in public office and private engagement to show commitment to the growth of our places of origin”, Salaam said.

He thereafter advised politicians, especially those in the corridor of power to make judicious use of the position they occupy , saying politics is a call to service and whatever position they occupy today would become the history of tomorrow.

CityMirrorNews reports that in the history of Ejigbo, the former Speaker is the first to be honored with the Oluomo Chieftaincy title.

Among those present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Osun state, Mr. Benedict Gboyega Alabi; former Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; House of Representatives Member, Ede Federal Constituency, Honorable Bamidele Salam; the APC Chairman of Osun state, Prince Gboyega Famodun; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Barrister Adejare Bello; Federal Commissioner of National Population Commission, Senator Mudashir Oyetunde Hussein; Asiwaju of Ejigbo land, Chief Atilade Adebowale among others.