The lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has joined the good people of Tapa Community in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State in celebration of the official coronation and presentation of staff of office.
The historic event, which took place on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Tapa Community High School, had in attendance local, state and federal government functionaries, including dignitaries from across the country.
Oba Sunday Oyekanmi Titiloye, following his nomination, ascended the throne of Elempe of Tapa Land in the year 2019, after the demise of Baale Joseph Oladejo Oke, who joined his ancestors in 2015.
However, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde, ably represented by his Deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, on Monday, July 8, 2024, elevated the 12th Elempe of Tapa Land from Baale to Obaship status and presented staff of office to the traditional ruler, confirming Oba Oyekanmi as the Elempe of Tapa Land, becoming the first-ever Oba of the community in the chronological order of Elempes dated back to the 15th century.
Congratulating the sons and daughters of the community, Hon. Adepoju said it was a moment of happiness for him to witness the elevation and coronation of the Elempe of Tapa.
“Today, I am more than happy to join the people of my community in this epoch-making event. What we are doing here today is yet another proof of the love and respect the hardworking Governor of Oyo State has for the good people of Ibarapa Land.
“I have known Oba Sunday since his ascension as the Elempe of Tapa; he has proven himself to be a run-to-go father figure when you need elderly advice,” Ibarapa expressed.
The lawmaker said the elevation and coronation of the traditional ruler would result in the accelerated development of the Tapa Community.
He expressed his gratitude to Gov. Makinde for honouring the people of Ibarapa Land and, by extension, boosting the traditional institution of the political zone through a gesture he said would be appreciated by all, including the yet-unborn generations in Tapa, Ibarapa and Yoruba Land as a whole.
According to him, Governor Makinde has achieved another historic feat that will live after him.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, however, assured the Governor of the continued support of the people of his constituency and Ibarapa Land in general in all aspects of governance and development in Oyo State.