For Oba Oluwambe Mofolorunso Sogaolu, the new Olu of Orile Imo, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, it was double celebrations for the Chevron ex-member of staff.

He was not only publicly installed and handed over instruments of office by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, but was also coronated by the Alake, the apex Egba monarch.

The two events held within forty eight hours intervals on Thursday and Saturday, July 25 and 27, 2024, respectively.

It was one of the last assignments of the Chairman of Obafemi/Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina Ogunsola in office.

While the installation on Thursday held on the premises of Orile-Imo High School, the coronation held amid funfare at the palace of the paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, who presided

The ceremonies attracted eminent personalties including illustrious sons and daughters of Imo in Abeokuta as well as in Orile Imo.

It was a new down for the people of the Egba Community that has in recent past become its industrial capital.

For the records, Orile Imo is the host community to one of the biggest breweries in Nigeria, among other industries.

The ceremones ended years of Obaship tussle following the passage of the last Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Kolawole Mathew Olubiyi, who joined his ancestors on July 28, 2018.

While presenting the staff of office to the new Olu of Orile Imo, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun rejoiced with the Imo people for the calibre of their new monarch.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon.Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat, the governor urged Imo people to cooperate with their new monarch in the further development of the town.

Governor Abiodun also charged the new monarch to continually champion all efforts that could enhance peaceful co-existence with other royal fathers in Egbaland in particular and the state in general.

He commended the people of Orile Imo for maintaining peace and tranquillity during the period when the stool of Olu of Orile Imo was vacant.

The governor said, this clearly portrayed that the Imo people were a peace-loving people that have put the interest of their community above personal interest.

According to him, the installation ceremony was another demonstration of his administration's unrelenting determination and commitment towards ensuring that the state takes its rightful position in the comity of states.

"We realise the fact that traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned as it serves as a bridge between the people at the grassroots and the government.

The governor also commended the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland for his fatherly role towards the appointment of Oba Sogaolu.

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, thanked the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for approving the appointment of Oba Oluwambe Mofolorunso Sogaolu.

The apex Egba monarch represented by Chief Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egba, recalled the developmental efforts of the new monarch to Orile Imo, his immediate community in the past and urged him not to relent.

Oba Gbadebo, expressed delight that the new Olu of Orile Imo had been part of the growth and development of his immediate community.

"Today, Orile Imo is lucky to have as their king, a man who has the best interest of his community at heart. A man who thinks, thought, seeks and works for the development of his rural community".

Oba Gbadebo recalled that Oba Sogaolu started his developmental and charitable strides long before he showed interest in the royal stool.

"He went on in 2001 to start a youth development and empowerment programme which is still operational till today with the supply of books and writing materials to all the children of four public schools in his community among other charitable things that would help youths in the community".

Aside this, the Alake said Oba Sogaolu worked with progressive minds to bring electricity to Orile Imo as well as played significant role in the upgrading of Orile Imo to an Obaship position in 2012.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Sogaolu pledged his absolute loyalty and commitment to his domain.

While soliciting the supports of his subjects, the new monarch also promised to make Orile Imo greater.

"Orile Imo, our dear community is great already, we have to make it greater together. This is the clarion call I'm here to answer"

" I have accepted the responsibility as a great honour with all my heart, I promise I will not disappoint you", he said.

Oba Sogaolu solicited the supports of those with whom he contested the throne, saying "today's occassion should naturally put an end to the struggle and stiff competition of the past years for the throne.

"It is now time for us all to jettison our differences and come together and work as one family to move our community forwards"

"I want to say unequivocally that today's occassion is not about me, your new Kabiyesi, the Olu of Orile Imo, legitimately elected, authoritatively approved and publicly presented and installed"

"Rather, it is about the actualization of the dream of the progressive sons and daughters of Orile Imo to make the land of our birth into a place of pride in Ogun State.

"It is about the future of our children in their different cadres; it is about purposeful leadership that will take our community to the next level and guarantee a glorious future for all our children.

"These are the shared visions that motivated my contest for the office and job of the Oba of our great community", he concluded.

Base of Imo, Chief Isaac Babatunde Fawemimo wished the new Egba monarch a peaceful and successful reign.

" I am happy as a native of Orile Imo as well as a chief that our son subsequently installed and crowned our new monarch. To God be the glory.

"For Oba Sogaolu, the journey has been turbulent, but we thank God, the state government and the Alake of Egbaland for making today a reality".

While urging those who contested with Oba Sogaolu to close ranks with the new monarch, Chief Fawemimo prayed and wished that Orile Imo would witness more developmental strides during his reign.

Chairman of Imo Descendants Association, Mr. Seyi Lemo was full of praises to God for making the events possible.

"It's almost five years ago that the Obaship tussle began but we thank God that it has ended with the public installation and coronation of Oba Sogaolu, the popular choice of many natives of Orile Imo and indeed Imo".

"Oba Sogaolu is a man of the people who does not only like his community, but his people with whom he had shared his personal endowments and resources in the past".

"We are happy with his choice as our king. He derserves it. Long before he showed interest in being our monarch, he has done many things for the community as well as its people. The Oba is among our illustrious sons in whom we are very pleased".

Lemo, appealed to those who contested the throne with Oba Sogaolu to shield their swords and work closely with the new king.

The IDA leader also urged Oba Sogaolu to forgive those who might have constitued a clog in the wheel of progress to his choice as well as enthronment.

"You have been destined to be our king and you have been popularly choosen, accepted, installed and crowned. Kabiyesi, please forgive those who initially stood on your way to the palace and crown", he pleaded.

Both events, amid pomp were witnessed by sons and daughters of Orile Imo as well as other Egba chiefs, dignitaries including Oba Sogaolu's family members, friends, and business associates.

There were other individuals, social, cultural, youths and women groups among others who rejoiced with the second bearded crown Olu of Orile Imo.