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What Oba MUFUTAU GBADAMOSI Told City People
Few days ago, the whole world gathered in Offa town to celebrate with the family of the highly respected first-class Monarch in Kwara State, HRM Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi Ajagungbade I Esuwoye II, the Olofa of Offa, as his son, Muhammed got married to his beautiful wife, Aishat Shaiub in grand style.
The talk of the town Royal wedding was celebrated for 3 days. It all started with The Engagement on 30th of September; followed by Nikkah Ceremony on 1st of December, while the Grand finale; the wedding reception was held on the 2nd of December. The whole event took place at the Imperial Event Centre, opposite Summit University in Offa, Kwara State.
The ceremony was well attended by many notable personalities, including a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Oniru of Iru Kingdom; Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Saheed Elegushi; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi; Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal and many others.
In this interview with City People Head of Tv, SUNDAY ADIGUN, HRM Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi Ajagungbade I Esuwoye II, the Olofa of Offa expresses his joy over the success of the 3 days Royal wedding. He hailed his entire Royal friends who stood by him for that 3 days, hailed all his family member and the good people of Offa. Kabiyesi also talked about his life as Olofa of Offa and how he has transformed Offa in the past 13 years. Enjoy the conversation.
How happy are you today Kabiyesi, seeing how people trooped out to rejoice with you?
I am so overwhelmed with joy, I can’t even explain it. People showed me love; they paid me back all the love I’ve shown to them. Now I know that attending other people’s party, showing them love is not a waste of time. I never expected these massive crowds. The hall is 3000 guests but I printed 2000 access cards because I wanted space, but look at the crowds. That shows how much my people love me.
Tell us about your early life and your life as the Olofa of Offa?
I was born and brought up in Sokoto, Sokoto State. I attended Muhammad Bankano Primary School. I proceeded to Maru Teachers College and then to Birnin-Kebbi Polytechnic. I later attended the Ahmadu Bello University to study Building Technology. I did my national youth service at the Katsina State Housing Authority in Kastina before moving to Lagos to start life afresh. My life as the Olofa of Offa has not changed, and the people. The people of Offa love me and I love them. I’ve been with them for the past 13years and God has been helping us.
Did you ever think that you would become the Olofa?
No, I didn’t. Although I was a prince, I never thought of it. but when the time came, Allah made me the Olofa of Offa.
What was Offa like 13years ago before you ascended to the throne and how would you describe it now. What are the achievements you’ve recorded so far?
Offa was not developed up to this level when I became the Olofa. I believe that God has a reason for putting me on the throne about 13 years ago. My predecessor tried his best, but if there were 100 houses in Offa when I came on board, now there are more than 1000, and it is not my making but Almighty Allah’s. Allah has surrounded me with people who respect and support me.They work with me for the progress and development of the town. They are transparent, accountable and God-fearing people. Whenever we want to embark on any project for the progress of the Offa, they all donate generously. Here in Offa. We initiate projects before the government steps in. The government is helping us but we carry our own burden first, because we are very proactive in Offa. We embark on projects that are useful to us. We start and the government supports us. When we had security challenges some time ago, some of my people went to meet then Inspector General of Police and complained to him that we didn’t have enough police personnel in Offa. We sought his approval to build a police barracks. The IGP said building a barracks was not a small project. He spoke with me on phone and I assured him that by the grace of God, that within three months, the barracks would be ready for use. We didn’t seek any contributions from either the government or the police authorities. We only needed their approval. To the glory of Almighty Allah, we did it within three months, and today, we have Mopol 68 Unit here in Offa. There are lots of other projects like that. If a leader is good, his followers will follow suit. Whenever we are embarking on new projects, I see to it that I am the first person to make contribution and then others follow.
What is your advice for all sons and daughters of Offaland?
My advice for them is to continue the good things they have been doing. I thank all of them deeply for always listening to my advice and for making me and the entire town proud all the time. The sky is the limit for them. God will continue to be with them and provide for them. Those in Diaspora should come home and build houses. Offa is their home, they should not forget it. God will continue to be with them.
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