A leading candidate for the stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Hon. Ademorin Kuye has said that he would serve as a rallying point for all Ijebu sons and daughters, if chosen as the next Awujale.
Kuye, a lawyer and serial entrepreneur, spoke on Tuesday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, against the backdrop of fears in certain quarters that his political leaning may becloud his sense of judgment and hamper the discharge of his duties and responsibilities as the Awujale of Ijebuland.
His words: "I wish to quickly and candidly dispel such fears and say without any form of equivocation that they are unfounded. I am first and foremost, a professional. I am a lawyer and entrepreneur with a thriving law practice and going business concerns.
"My venturing into politics was borne out of a burning desire to serve my people. There is no gainsaying the fact that the Awujale stool offers a bigger platform to realise this desire. It is a call to higher service; a call to serve the civilised, dynamic and industrious people of Ijebuland for the rest of my life. For me, there can be no greater call and honour than to be afforded the opportunity to serve my people and humanity for the rest of my life.
"I am fully aware of the enormous duties and responsibilities that the Awujale stool requires of me. Our father, the immediate past Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON) elevated the stool to an enviable height such that anyone seeking to succeed him must have the experience and wherewithal to sustain the honour, dignity and majesty of the stool.
"I know too well that if I am chosen, I will relinquish my position at the House of Representatives and every other thing connected with it. I am fully persuaded that from the moment I am chosen to ascend the throne of my forebears, I cease to belong to any political party or interest. The palace and the King belong to all Ijebus. I will become the Awujale of Ijebuland and the rallying point for all Ijebus, regardless of their social class, political leaning or faith. To do otherwise is to belittle the honour, dignity and majesty of the Awujale stool.
"To all my brothers and sisters, I make this solemn promise: if I emerge, I will be the Awujale of Ijebuland, and indeed, the Awujale for all Ijebus, regardless of your class, faith or political leaning. I will be the rallying point for all."
