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While we cannot deny that there is indeed certain measure of glamour, affluence and societal elevation comes with having blue blood, we cannot also shy away from the fact that it’s a position that comes with great responsibility.Just like they say, with great power comes great responsibility.
This position certainly the case for the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle (Asade Agunloye IV), Chairman of the Ogun Star Council of Obas and the Yewa Traditional Council.
His rise to prominence tells the amazing and humble story of a man loved and favoured by God: even when there were daunting obstacles that could have prevented him from sitting on the throne of his forefathers, he overcame.
In his words:”My father never told me that it would be our lineage’s turn when I eventually became the king. But God made it possible for me.”
His reign since his ascension to the throne of his ancestors on 4th of December 2016 has brought nothing but immense growth and development to the people of his community.
Most laudable is the unique approach employed by the monarch to foster peace and unity among his people. Yewaland consists of people with diverse cultures and languages such as Oori, Anago, Egun, Awori, Ketu etc, but Oba Olugbenle has successfully ensured positive communal integration among these different units.
The people appreciate one another even with their glaring diversity
Also, the highly intelligent and modest king has been able to create a community whose sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora could identify with, and they dedicate their resources to its communal growth and development.
More unique about him is his Christian background, one which many had earlier expressed reservations against, stating that there would be a decline of the traditional belief system and practices of the Yewa people over the installation of a Christian King.
According to him,”I have had the privilege of understudying all these royal fathers and this has helped me greatly in the new task.”His people who in return looks up to him not only as a rotal father but also as a spiritual father.