Nigerian Newspaper Vendor Becomes A King In Kogi State, Meet Oba Ayodele, Elegbe Of Egbeland

HE is a man of destiny. The road for him to the
top was laced with thorns, disappointments,
fear of unknown, and road blocks. But with
determination, mother luck, and the instinct to
survive he surmounted all these obstacles .
For Oba Ayodele Irukera Ajaamoto II, the Elegbe of
Egbe Land and chairman, Yagba West Local
Government Traditional Council of Kogi State, though
a prince, becoming an oba was never in his agenda
as he just wanted to survive.
He was a newspaper vendor selling newspapers by
the roadside, a building site labourer, a typist among
others. These were just steps to climb to the top as
he never allowed these to deter him.
However, he studied privately for both General
Certificate of Education (O level) and later A level. He
passed both in flying colours and it qualified him for
admission to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. After
the completion of his astudies, he worked in several
places including University of Ilorin Kwara State
where he rose to the position of deputy registrar until
his voluntary retirement. However, his road to the
throne started with his appointment as the Baale of
Egbe on September 2012 until his final selection as
Elegbe of Egbeland in July 28, 2014.
At his installation and presentation of staff of office
recently by the governor, Captain Idris Wada,
dignitaries from all walks of life were present to give
him their support. Traditional rulers both within and
outside the state were equally there to added colour
to the event. Oba Ayodele Irukera, at the occasion,
promised to pursue the issues of peace and unity as
well as promoting peaceful co-existence of
communities within his domain.
The monarch assured the Kogi state government and
people of the area of his unflinching commitment to
contribute is quota to the growth and development of
the people
The State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, at the occasion
emphasized the need for robust collaborative efforts
between the traditional rulers and the government in
the maintenance of peace and security.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy,
Yomi Awoniyi, said the need for collaboration had
become pertinent in view of the present security
challenges in the country.
He urged royal fathers to step up their efforts in
assisting to make Kogi State inhabitable for men of
the underworld, describing traditional rulers as
symbols of collective pride, culture and history of the
people.
Posted By David Aniemeka