By Our Correspondent
The Ooye of Iwoye-Ketu, His Royal Highness Oba Isaac Alamu Adegbenro, on Monday conferred the prestigious traditional titles of Babalaje and Yeye Babalaje of Iwoye-Ketu on Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and his wife, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, respectively, in a colourful ceremony attended by prominent traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
The installation ceremony, which took place in Iwoye-Ketu, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, drew several dignitaries from across Yewaland, including traditional rulers who joined the Ooye of Iwoye-Ketu in honouring the couple for their contributions to community development and their commitment to the welfare of the people.
The monarch described the conferment of the titles as a recognition of the Adebutus' enduring support for humanity, philanthropy and their unwavering interest in the growth and development of Yewaland.
Speaking shortly after the installation, Hon. Adebutu expressed profound appreciation to the Ooye of Iwoye-Ketu, the council of chiefs and the Yewa traditional rulers for finding him and his wife worthy of the honour.
He described the chieftaincy titles as a call to greater service and pledged that the confidence reposed in them would be rewarded with continued commitment to initiatives that would improve the lives of the people.
As part of his appreciation, Hon. Adebutu announced a ₦10 million Youth Empowerment Programme for youths of Iwoye-Ketu, aimed at supporting economic development, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for young people in the community.
According to him, the initiative is intended to empower youths with resources that would enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
He noted that sustainable community development can only be achieved when young people are equipped with the necessary support to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
The announcement was greeted with enthusiastic applause from residents and community leaders, many of whom described the gesture as a demonstration of Adebutu's longstanding commitment to grassroots development.
Several traditional rulers present at the event commended the empowerment initiative, expressing optimism that it would positively impact the socio-economic wellbeing of youths in Iwoye-Ketu and its environs.
The installation ceremony featured traditional rites, cultural displays and goodwill messages from dignitaries, who congratulated the newly installed Babalaje and Yeye Babalaje while urging them to continue championing causes that promote peace, unity and development across Yewaland.
The conferment of the titles on Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and Yeye Adenike Adebutu is expected to further strengthen the partnership between the traditional institution and individuals committed to advancing community development in Ogun State.
