To mark the one-year anniversary of the conferment of the
traditional title of Atóbaáse of Yorubaland on HM Dr. Babajide Agunbiade, FNSE,
by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr)
Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III, Iku Baba Yeye, J.P, CFR, L.L. D on August 28th, 2021, the
OniFiditi-in-council led by the OniFiditi of Fiditi has congratulated the
renowned Atobaase on the occasion of the one year anniversary and has conferred
on him the title of Asiwaju of Fiditi land.
The conferment of the Asiwaju title was conveyed in a letter that reads in part, “appointment as Asiwaju of Fiditiland by the OniFiditi-in- Council. The OniFiditi-in-council has resolved to name and appoint you as the ASIWAJU of Fiditiland.”
“The council decided to honour you with this chieftaincy title
based on your selfless service to the town and people of Fiditi. You have been
GODSEND to our town and bestowing you with this honor at this time demonstrates
what you stand for in our community, in
Oyo state, in Yoruba land, in Nigeria, and even globally
“As we look forward to your acceptance of this well-deserved
honour, we pray that Almighty God, in his Infinite mercies, will grant you
success in discharging your duties as a leading son of our town. We pray that
Almighty God continues to uphold you and your family”.
The letter, which was signed by His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa,
Oba Sakiru Oyewole Akanni Adekola Oyelere, Ajani -Eedu II, Agbadewolu I,
OniFiditi Of Fiditi, was received with great appreciation by the Atobaase who
in his acceptance speech said: “ Your Royal Majesty, I refer to your offer of
appointment letter (and our subsequent discussions) which was written following
your meeting with the OniFiditi-in-council, where it was resolved that I be
appointed the ASIWAJU OF FIDITILAND.”
“ After extensive and careful deliberations, I accept this
title with humility, gratitude to God almighty, and out of love and respect for
your Royal Highness, the OniFiditi-in-council, and all well-meaning people of
Fiditi who have deemed me fit for this exhausted position.”
The Atóbaáse further said in the acceptance letter, “ Owing to
our Yoruba culture, and as discussed and agreed, my title as the Atóbaáse of
Yorubaland, conferred on me by none other than the irreplaceable late Alaafin
of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III, Iku
Baba Yeye, J.P, CFR, L.L. D Which covers all Yorubaland, will continue to take
supremacy over this title. This is also in line with my discussion with the
late Alaafin as a condition for accepting this title.”
Based on known facts and evidence, the Asiwaju title is the
ultimate honorary traditional title a deserving son can be conferred in a
native Yoruba town. The title carries ancient evidence of far-sightedness and
positive contributions to the progress of any traditional Yoruba town. It is
the rare preserve of those deemed worthy of being so recognized for their
achievements and contributions to the development of their people.
Dr. Babajide Agunbiade, the Atobaase of Yoruba land, is one of
the world’s leading offshore production experts; he is an investor,
businessman, and CEO of Alpha Energy Resources, as well as being Executive
director of Houston-based National Oilwell Varco, the largest oilfield
equipment manufacturing company in the world. He is a fellow of the Nigerian
Society of Engineers, a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems
Engineers as well as being a fellow of the Society of Underwater Technologies.
He was conferred with the high-ranking title of Atobaase of
Yoruba land by the revered, Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola
Adeyemi III, Iku Baba Yeye, and Alaafin of Oyo at the palace of the Royal
Father in Oyo town on the 28th day of August 2021. The title of Atóbaáse of
Yorubaland, which will continue to take precedence, is a Semi-traditional tile.
The Atobaase was one of the traditional titles that Alaafin Eguguojo instituted
and used to rule the Oyo Empire (now comprising most of Yorubaland) in the 14th
century when he moved Oyo to present-day Igboho.
In Yorubaland history, the title of Atóbaáse has been awarded
four times in the past, and Atóbaáse Babajide Agunbiade is the first Atobaase
of Yorubaland since 1630 AD.
In a related development, the wife of the Atóbaáse of
Yorubaland and newly installed Asiwaju Of Fiditi, Her Majesty, Yeye Olufunke
Agunbiade, was also conferred with the title of Yèyé Asiwaju Of Fiditiland by
OniFiditi-in-council led by His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa, Oba Sakiru Oyewole
Akanni Oyelere, Ajani -Eedu II,
Agbadewolu I, OniFiditi Of Fiditi.
We wish the ASIWAJU of Fiditi, HM, Dr. Babajide Agunbiade, The
Atóbaáse of Yorubaland, and Yeye Asiwaju of Fiditi, HM Yeye Olufunke Agunbiade
all the best as they juggle their two critical roles.
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