The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has felicitated Chief Sefiu Adebayo Mufutau on his new chieftaincy title of Bobakeye of Elegberunland, Ile-Ife, urging him to be more committed to youth development in the country.
According to Tribune, Ooni of Ile-Ife noted that being conferred with a chieftaincy title is a call to work for the development of the community, calling to focus on development of youths in the country
The monarch, represented at the conferment ceremony held at Cristal Heritage Hall, Paraking Ile-Ife, Osun State, by Obalufe Oodua, HRM Oba Idowu Adediwura, appreciated Mufutau and his wife, Chief Mrs.Adetoun Mufutau, who was also conferred with the title of Yeye Bobakeye of Elegberunland, for what they have been doing through their NGO Crown Charity Trust for the youths, especially in the education sector across the country.
He enjoined them to be more proactive and extend their magnanimity to Elegberunland and Ile-Ife in terms of school renovation, a project their NGO is currently embarking upon in Iwo, Osun State.
Conferring the chieftaincy title on them, the Okero of Elegberun Land Ile-Ife, HRM Oba Dr Adedokun Evans Okero Ademiluyi, Akinmoyero 1, commended the exceptional philanthropic life of Mufutau, whom he describes as “a man of integrity, dignity, and impeccable character, which is why the ruling council of Elegberun Land deemed it fit to honour him and his wife with such chieftaincy title.
“We hope this position will lift him more and encourage him to do more for humanity, which he has already been doing.”
While reacting to the new chieftaincy title, Mufutau said it was a call to duty in his father’s land.
The Nigerian-born, UK-based entrepreneur and philanthropist who is the chairman of Crown Charity Trust, said his organisation is domiciled in Nigeria to execute all the earmarked projects.
He declared that the N72 million school project will soon commence in three public schools in Iwo Local Goverent Area, Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area,and Ayedire Local Government Area in Osun State in phase 1 of the project, assuring that phase II of the project will capture schools in Ile-Ife and other towns.
Meanwhile, a donation platform tagged ‘Operation Help a Nigerian Pupil with a Better Learning Environment’was launched for the realisation of the project
Mufutau also presented N9 million worth of scholarships to a beneficiary of the CCT Scholarship Scheme at the event.
“For the school project, it is a done deal. We cannot do it all alone, which is why we are appealing to other philanthropists to lend a helping hand.
“We know that some people may not support us financially, but there are various ways all of us can help our children grow. They are the future of this country; if we do not give them the necessary education today, the country will be in ruin tomorrow.
“We know the government cannot do it all alone, and that is why we are making efforts in our own little way to support the government, especially in the education sector.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the Ooni of Ife, HRH, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Adewusi (Ojoja II), and the Okero of Elegberun Land, Ile-Ife, HRM Oba Dr. Adedokun Evans Okero Ademiluyi (Akinmoyero 1), and all other Obas in our ancient town for counting me and my wife worthy of this great level of traditional honour.
“This is indeed a call to duty, and we promise not to disappoint you. Now that you have adopted me as your son, the son of the soil, my attention will definitely be at home, my new home, and I shall strive in all my capacity to make sure this land gets more developed. May the Almighty Allah help me.
“To all the well wishes, I appreciate you all, as I promise to respect and preserve our culture anywhere in the world,” he acknowledged.
Prominent among the attendees include HRM Oba Idowu Adediwura, Obalufe Oodua, HRM Oba Sakaniyawu Olawusi, Obaloran of Ife, HRM Oba Olusegun Adedire, Obawara Ife, HRM Oba Adebisi Segun Layade, Alara Odaye of Ara Land, HRM Oba Samson Adelabu Adeyeye, Lesiekun Omifunfun, HRM Oba Bangbola Olatunde, Olu of Omisade, HRM Oba Muraina Adedinni, Asoya of Isoya, HRM Oba Muraina Adedinni, Asoya of Isoya of Isia, HRM Oba Muraina Adedinni , Asoya of Isia of Isia of Odesan, HRM Oba Isiah Olaniyiyi Odesan, Ogunrogba of Odesan, HRM Oba Adisa Makinde, Oniranje of Idita Ife, and members of Great Minds.
Others are Tajudeen Michael Onakoya from Dublin, Rasaq Onakoya, Alaba Onakoya, and Alhaja Kubura, all from Birmingham, and others.
