The Member representing Ibadan North Constituency II in the Oyo State House of Assembly and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) candidate for the constituency, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, on their conferment with the prestigious chieftaincy titles of Aare Soludero and Yeye Soludero of Ibarapa Land, respectively.
The titles were conferred on the Governor and First Lady by the Ibarapa Traditional Council at the palace of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adedayo Adegbola, in recognition of their contributions to peace, development and the wellbeing of the people.
In a congratulatory message, Hon. Babajide Gabriel described the conferment as a remarkable honour and a testament to the respect and goodwill Governor Makinde and his wife have earned through their service to the people of Oyo State.
He said the recognition was particularly significant because traditional titles in Yoruba society represent more than mere ceremonial honours, noting that they often signify acceptance, respect, trust and appreciation from traditional institutions and the communities they represent.
According to him, the emergence of Governor Makinde as Aare Soludero and Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde as Yeye Soludero reflects the appreciation of the Ibarapa people for the administration’s efforts toward peace, development and inclusive governance.
Hon. Babajide Gabriel commended the Eleruwa of Eruwa and members of the Ibarapa Traditional Council for the honour, describing it as another demonstration of the important role traditional institutions continue to play in recognising and encouraging exemplary leadership.
He stressed that the traditional institution remains an indispensable partner in governance, particularly because traditional rulers maintain a close relationship with their communities and possess deep knowledge of the cultural and socio-economic realities of their people.
The lawmaker also praised Governor Makinde for sustaining a strong relationship with traditional rulers across Oyo State, saying that the cooperation between elected authorities and traditional institutions has contributed significantly to peace, stability and development across the state.
He noted that the Governor’s administration has continued to place emphasis on critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic development, security and human capital development, describing these efforts as part of the broader commitment to improving the lives of residents.
Hon. Babajide Gabriel equally congratulated Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde on her conferment as Yeye Soludero, describing the title as a fitting recognition of her support for the Governor and her contributions to initiatives that affect women, children, families and vulnerable members of society.
He said the role of the First Lady in supporting humanitarian and social development initiatives has complemented the administration’s efforts to build a more inclusive and prosperous Oyo State.
The APM candidate urged the Governor and his wife to regard the new titles not only as an honour but also as a renewed call to continued service, humility and dedication to the people.
He further called for sustained collaboration among government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens, stressing that the development of Oyo State requires collective responsibility and cooperation among all stakeholders.
While celebrating the Governor and First Lady, Hon. Babajide Gabriel prayed for God’s continued wisdom, guidance, good health and strength for the couple, wishing them greater accomplishments as they continue to contribute to the progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.
He described the conferment of the titles as a proud moment for the state and a celebration of the enduring bond between the government, the traditional institution and the people.
Hon. Babajide Gabriel concluded by wishing Governor Seyi Makinde and Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde a successful tenure in their respective traditional roles, while expressing confidence that the new honours would further strengthen their commitment to peace, unity and development across Oyo State.
