It is something always unusual to see traditional rulers whose domains are in close proximity relate well. There is always rivalries between them which may even be traced to history. This is not the case when it comes to the Abepa of Jogaland, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Adeyemi Olanrewaju Adekeye and the Aboro of Iboro kingdom, Oba Daniel Abayomi Salako. Both communities are located in the Yewa North axis of Abeokuta.
The 2 kings are best of friends. They always stand by each other and hardly disagree. What is more fascinating about them is that they were both neighbours in the US before they relocated to their respective hometown in Nigeria to become kings. Abepa got the call to ascend the throne of his fore-fathers in 2002. 14 years later, it was the turn of the Aboro to come home to become the king.
As they were close neighbours in the US, so are they very close back home in Nigeria. They regard each other more like brothers. Both kings are doing remarkably well in transforming their community to greatness.
On 21st of December, 2023, The Abepa marked his 21st coronation anniversary. The occasion recorded a large attendant of Kabiyesis from neighbouring communities and the Aboro was also in attendance. He did not only come around, he stayed till late in the evening and took active part in the event of the day.
While the celebration was in progress, City People Reporter, Jamiu Abubakar (08085185886) had a brief chat with the king, and I got to know more about the 2 Ogun kings and why they don’t joke with each other. Below are excerpts:
I want to start by asking what your remarks are about today’s occasion as we celebrate Kabiesi the Abepa’s 21 years on the throne?
Oba Adekeye, the Abepa of Jogaland Orile. On behalf of him and the entire Jogatown, I am thanking God for preserving his life to witness today. Because if you really look back, it’s not an easy journey. A journey of 21 years, if we give birth to a baby today, before the baby can get to the age of 21 years, it’s not going to be that easy. So it’s not easy. I thank God on his behalf for what he has achieved in the past 21 years, if you look back at what exactly Joga was and what Joga is today, you have to give thanks to Almighty God on his behalf. I thank God and I commend him because it’s hard work. I know because I’m going through the same thing in my community as well. I know it’s not that easy. So, for that I thank God on his behalf and I commend him. And I wish him a long life and prosperity. I pray to Almighty God that he will spend more years on his throne in good health, so shall it be in Jesus mighty name!
So just like you referred to Kabiyesi as your bosom friend, how long have you been together?
I have known him way back when I was in America. It’s been over 30 years now that I’ve known him. We were not that close like we are today but we were neighbours. I knew the time he was coming down home. I was just laughing and wondering what was coming to do in this area? But to go to glory, look at where I am today. I’m his neighbour. So, I thank God and I’m very close to him. I learn from him. He’s just like my role model. He has been through a series of things, both thick and thin. So I learn from him. To be honest I appreciate him and I appreciate what God has done for him.
From being neighbours in the US and back home you were also made kings in neighboring communities. How do you relate with that?
Everybody has their own characters. It’s just like when you talk about DNA. There is no way your DNA can be the same. You cannot be the same. But to be honest with you, I appreciate him. Even though he is a no-nonsense man. It doesn’t take any nonsense. I keep telling people, he easily gets angry. But if you study him, you are going to enjoy him. To be honest, I’m not saying it because I’m on the mic or whatever. I’m just saying the way it is. He’s a very simple man. But he doesn’t take any nonsense from anybody. But if you really understand him, be rest assured that you are going to enjoy him, he will tell you the truth the way it is. And he will not hide anything from you. If you like it, if you don’t like it, don’t take it. That’s his nature. And I appreciate that.
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