In a significant but bittersweet moment for the Yoruba community in Enugu State, Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo has been appointed as the first-ever Oba of the community.
While the historic event marks a moment of unity, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the prolonged struggle to establish this leadership.
Adebayo, an indigene of Osun State, now stands as the symbol of Yoruba culture and heritage in Enugu.
However, the journey to this point has been marked by tragedy, with three individuals losing their lives during the intense deliberations and anticipation surrounding the selection process.
Speaking at a community meeting in Enugu, Adebayo reflected on the painful journey, noting that the elders had to step in to ensure a fair and unbiased decision after the loss of life threatened to derail their efforts.
“We lost about three persons in the process of waiting to choose who will be our Oba,” Adebayo revealed, underscoring the human cost of the community’s ambition.
The selection process, which began in 2018, was fraught with tension as multiple candidates vied for the prestigious title.
However, in the end, Adebayo was chosen for his trustworthiness, good character, and dedication to the community—a decision that came too late for those who passed away before seeing the culmination of their efforts.
Chief Valentine Adesina, one of the initial contenders for the position, acknowledged the fierce competition and the toll it took on the community.
He ultimately stepped down, recognizing Adebayo’s long-standing service and deep-rooted knowledge of the Yoruba community in Enugu.
“Most Yoruba elders that started with him had gone back home, while others had died. I decided to step down for him to move the community forward,” Adesina said, highlighting the sacrifices made along the way.
As the new Oba of the Yoruba community in Enugu, Adebayo now carries the weight of those who are no longer here to witness this historic moment.
His appointment, while a symbol of unity and cultural pride, is also a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the pursuit of progress.
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