A Nigerian businessman and notable member of Abeokuta Sports Club, Chief Obayomi Sowande has been bestowed with high-ranking chieftaincy title of Silemo Egba by the Egba kingdom on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
Penpushing reports that the ceremony held at Alake Palace in the ancient town was supervised by Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and attracted number of dignitaries within and outside the ancient town.
The installation of Sowande was part of activities marking the 38th Lisabi Festival, while record has it that before anybody could hold a chieftaincy title in the kingdom, must be of good report, who would have been found outstanding in the society and be worthy of emulation.
Penpushing further reports that such person must have contributed immensely to the development of his environment, and must also be a good ambassador of his people, anywhere he finds himself.
The installation of Sowande now qualifies him and becomes mandatory for him to assist the Alake of Egbaland in his quest for progress and peace in the domain, and as a Chief of Egbaland, it becomes a duty to contribute his own quota to the economic, social, political and physical development of the town in all ramifications.
Penpushing also reports that historical facts settlement in Abeokuta have it that the Egba people started to settle in Abeokuta in 1830 or thereabout, each section settling in a separate quarter of the town.
The record added that a strong system of relating with each other and general governance of the kingdom was later developed, and at its peak the kingdom covered a vast expense of land that stretched from River Oba on the North to Ebute Metta, on the South Osun River of the East to Ipokia and River Yewa on the West.
Penpushing reports that the history added that the four sections that formed the Egba nation are Egba Alake (Eku, Aarin and Agbeyin), Egba Oke-Ona, Egba Gbagura and Egba Owu and on separation of powers government was carried out through a delicate balance of responsibilities among following institutions Ogboni, Oloroogun,Ologun, Parakoyi and Ode.
The new high-ranking chief was born in January 15, 1962 and hails from a distinguished linage, with his father Oladeinde Sowande, originating from Agbole Ohoro in Ake, and his mother Modupeola from Agbole Loshi in Itoko
Penpushing further reports that he began his educational journey at St Luke’s Primary School, where he laid foundation for his academic pursuits, proceeded to Ibadan Boys High School, Ibadan.
The Egba born, thereafter attended Federal Polytecnic, Akure, Ondo State, where he honed his technical and professional skills, and his quest for global academic exposure led him to United Kingdom, where he pursued further studies at Coventry University and later at Greenwich School of Management Studies, equipping him with advanced knowledge in business and management
Penpushing also reports that Sowande’s professional career spans across insurance, logistics and business management, with extensive experience both in Nigeria and United Kingdom.
The new chief began his professional journey with Guinea Insurance Company Nigeria, where he gained valuable expertise in the insurance sector, while the career later took him to United Kingdom, where he worked with Liverpool Vitoria Insurance Company, a leading financial services provider.
Penpushing reports that expanding his professional footprint beyond insurance, Sowande ventured into entrepreneurship and corporate leadership and he currently serves as Director in multiple companies.
The companies include Sow Cargo Services- a logistics and cargo handling company, Sowoba Services Nigeria Limited- a diversified business services firm and Reserve Moore Nigeria Limited-a company engaged in various business ventures
Penpushing further reports that the train of the ceremony after the installation moved to Marque Events Centre at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta where guests were entertained.
The juju music icon Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi was on band, who entertained the guests with his known evergreen music, while the celebrator and his guests could not hold back their excitement as they were seen demonstrating their dancing skills.
The Chairman of the reception Justice Deinde Soremi, a retired Supreme Court Judge in his remarks commended Sowande for his dedication to uplifment of the society which earned him the chieftaincy.
Penpushing also reports that Soremi emphasized that the qualities found in Sowande was responsible for his choice as the Silemo Egba, a high-ranking chieftaincy in the town and encouraged him to be more proactive in lifting up the ancient town
‘Your character pave way for your choice for the high-ranking chieftaincy. You have more responsibilies now, and ensure you represent Egba well anywhere you find yourself. You must exhibit sense of forgiveness henceforth’ the chairman emphasized
Penpushing reports that some notable personalities at the event include Chief Niyi Adegbenro, Elder Joju Fadairo, Olori Olabisi Tejuoso, (wife of Osile Oke-Ona Egba), Bashorun Festus Kehinde, Tunde Oluwasola, Alhaji Salawu (retired Permanent Secretary), Chief (Mrs) Toyin Ogunseye(Yeye Baagbimo of Owu Kingdom) and Alhaji Gani Majekodunmi as well as members of Abeokuta Sports Club among others.
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