In a dazzling display of cultural heritage and royal tradition, Gbede Kingdom witnessed a historic ceremony as Chief Mrs. Toyin Omole was conferred with the esteemed chieftaincy title of “Iya Ewe of Gbede Kingdom” by His Royal majesty , Oba (Col. Engr.) Olusegun Oloruntoba, the Olugbede.
The grand ceremony, held amid pomp and pageantry, drew distinguished guests from across the region, including Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, Chairman of Ijumu Local Government; HRM Oba (Dr.) Williams Olusegun Ayeni JP, Obadofin I, the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom; and HRH Oba Faleje Tayo David, who serves as Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the upcoming Gbede Day 2025 celebrations.
Members of the Gbede Traditional Council formed a dignified presence at the ceremony, while numerous APC loyalists from Ayetoro and throughout Ijumu local government area filled the venue in solidarity and celebration.
In her moving acceptance speech, Chief Mrs. Omole demonstrated her dedication to community development by announcing a generous donation of ₦1 million toward the ambitious Olugbede Palaces project. She further solidified her commitment with an additional ₦1 million donation to the Gbede Traditional Council.
“This honor bestows upon me not just a title, but a sacred responsibility to serve Gbede Kingdom with unwavering dedication,” Chief Mrs. Omole stated. “I pledge to work tirelessly for the advancement, unity, and prosperity of our beloved kingdom.”
The installation ceremony featured spectacular cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Gbede Kingdom, traditional music, dance, and customary rites that emphasized the significance of the “Iya Ewe” title in the kingdom’s traditional governance structure.
As the celebration concluded, community leaders expressed confidence that Chief Mrs. Omole’s appointment would usher in a new era of progress and cultural preservation for Gbede Kingdom, reinforcing the vital role of traditional institutions in modern Nigerian society.
