Congratulates the new Olota of Otta, pledges loyalty……
Nigeria’s former president and a prominent tenant of Otta Awori Kingdom, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday 11th March 2018 paid a courtesy visit to the newly crowned Olota of Otta, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adeyemi Abudukabir Obalanlege P.hD MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA( Arole Iganmode, Afiwatutujoye1, Lanlege Ekun II).
The new Olota of Otta in his welcome address thanked the former president for the courtesy visit and made it known to the gathering that His Excellency is “Omowale” that many still refer Otta as the home of Obasanjo having spent more than three(3) decades in the ancient city of Otta.
According to Oba Obalanlege, Obasanjo was among those that put the name “Otta” in the world map having received most of his foreign visitors at his Otta farm while in office (both as military and civilian head of state and president respectively). He, however, assured on of the most respected leaders in Nigeria that Otta, Awori Kingdom is open for all investors and for those that want to settle within the kingdom but quickly added that the settlers should always be ready to reward the kingdom with their loyalty and peace and not chaos.
However, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in his speech apologised for keeping the people of Otta Awori Kingdom waiting, he said it was due to an urgent assignment.
The former president in his response thanked the people of Otta Awori Kingdom for the befitted reception despite his lateness, he prayed for the continuous development of Otta, Awori Kingdom. He also commended the people of Otta most especially the kingmakers for the choice of the new monarch.
The elder statesman said many settlers in Otta, Awori Kingdom will forever be grateful to the good people of the land, saying they all have similar stories to tell about the fortune of the land which is “Success Story”. He cited his own personal experience as a case study.
The Owu high chief said, ” I started with Otta farm and today I have Temperance Hotels Otta, The Bells College Otta and The Bells University of Technology, Otta”. He said his friend, Bishop David Oyedepo has a similar story to tell among others. Thank you
On Kabiyesi’s call that Otta is still open for all and sundry to invest, he assured the gathering that he will bring another Legacy Resort to Otta at the land he purchased along Itele road and he will see to how that road would be constructed to a standard. On the ongoing project at the palace, he promised to support in ensuring that Olota Palace meet up with international standard.
The former president was accompanied by HRM Oba Ogunleye, Chief Akanle and Chief Wale Abodunrin( Former DG, Nigerian Civil Service Corps) among others.
Other dignitaries at the event include Chief Imam of Otta, newly crowned obas from the four quarters of Otta, High Chief Osulabu Ekerin of Otta and High Chief S. Balogun (Balogun of Otta).
A prominent Islamic scholar and lawyer, Barr. Ali Dawoodu, Sen. Akin Odunsi, the Otun Iyalode of Otta, Alhaja Sadata Onimole, Sen. Gbolahan Dada and a key figure in Ogun State politics, Sen. Ayo Otegbola were also present at the event.
