The Speaker of the Home of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been conferred with the normal title of Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Lawmaker of Yorubaland) by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
The Alaafin communicated the conferment of the title to Gbajabiamila in a letter dated September 7, 2021, and introduced to the Speaker on Thursday on the Nationwide Meeting, Abuja, by members of the Oyomesi Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, Excessive Chief Olayinka Ayoola, who’s the normal Prime Minister of Oyo Kingdom.
In accordance with an announcement issued by the Particular Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, that is the primary time {that a} Yoruba son could be conferred with such a title.
The assertion was titled, ‘Alaafin names Speaker Gbajabiamila as Supreme Legislative Information of Yorubaland…I’m most honoured, says Speaker.’
Adeyemi’s letter learn partly, “Since your victory on the polls and subsequent swearing-in as a member of Federal Home of Representatives representing the nice individuals of Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and eventual emergence because the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the ninth Nationwide Meeting Home of Representatives by way of an awesome 283 votes out of 360 members.
“I’ve watched with eager curiosity your unquantifiable contributions on the ground of the Home as a member with the best variety of payments and motions, to your rise from a member to Minority Chief, Chief of the Home and ultimately the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and your centrality within the federating unit Nigeria have positioned you within the legislative realm identical to our forefathers who have been actively concerned in nation-building.
“Going by the above, you could have demonstrated as a Legislator the individuality inherent within the Yoruba race taking part successfully in nation-building; you could have participated in guaranteeing that the observe of separation of energy to examine abuses of the Government and make sure the clean working of presidency.
“After due consideration and certainly session, the Alaafin in Council has recognized you with the aforementioned attributes and regarded you worthy of being honoured. It’s on this foundation that I’ve selected behalf of Yoruba land to select you as ‘AARE – BAASOFIN OF YORUBA LAND.’
“This new title bestowed on you is a transparent reflection of your excellent success as an astute legislator, achieved Authorized Luminary, profitable Consultant of Yoruba race and Nigeria generally. With this title, you might be positioned within the rank of nice Empire builders and defenders of the Yoruba race. The least I can anticipate from you in your new title is to place all of the state attributes of yours for the service of Yoruba land and development of a balanced system of presidency.”
Presenting the letter, the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, who spoke in Yoruba language, mentioned the collection of the Speaker as the primary to get the title in Yorubaland was effectively thought out.
Ayoola, whose remarks have been translated by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, chief of the Oyo Improvement Affiliation, mentioned Gbajabiamila’s data, the Alaafin noticed in him “an ample illustration of the form of steadiness in governance the place the Government workout routines its personal authority, however the Legislature is there to say that is what the individuals need, and that is how we wish you to do it.”
Accepting the honour, Gbajabiamila mentioned he was stuffed with appreciation and satisfaction the place the title got here from.
He mentioned, “I actually need to thank the Alaafin for this gesture; this honour that he has performed to me and the Home of Representatives. Could the Almighty God proceed to honour him. I obtain this honour with satisfaction due to the place it’s coming from. You can not speak about Yorubaland and never speak concerning the Alaafin and the Oyo Kingdom because the cradle of civilisation.”
The Speaker famous how democratic the Oyo Empire had been even earlier than the approaching of the colonial masters, saying the position of conventional rulers in Nigeria’s democratic journey couldn’t be too strongly careworn.
“I’ve accepted this honour on behalf of the Home and my colleagues,” he added.
