by Joseph Omoremi
Chicago, IL-Encomiums and congratulatory messages have being pouring-in for erstwhile chairman of the Nigerian Sports Writers Association (SWAN) Attorney Steve Babatunde Alabi on his selection as the next king of Osi-Ekiti, in Ido-Osi local government area of Ekiti State.
“The oracle has spoken” on my brother Steve B. Alabi as the Oba-elect,” hence my congratulations to him and the Arubiojo’s ruling House,” said James Adewumi, one of the three contestants for the throne.
A man of many parts, the Oba elect was the SWAN president between 1990-92 and presided over the election of Mr. Fan Ndubuoke as SWAN president in 1992.
In his acceptance letter, Prince Alabi responded to the King makers led by Chief Odofin Sunday Faturoti Olaiya that “ with a profound sense of responsibility and humility, I write to accept my selection as the new Olosi of Osi-Ekiti. I thank you for your noble service to our community.”
Chief Tai Ajayi- Dahunsi, Sajepe of Osi Ekiti was pleased with the hitch-free selection process unlike other towns that got their staffs of office from Ado Ekiti instead of their home town. “They will be jealous of us and will be ready to emulate the Osi -Ekiti way,” he said adding “some cannot govern from their town.”
Chief Olaiya described the selection of Steve Alabi as the “beginning of our Eldurado in Osi-Ekiti” and thanked God for his mercy and love for the outcome of the Ifa Apariko that picked the Oba elect.
Reagent Aderonke Agunbiade-Akin expressed her joy for the future of Osi-Ekiti and its indigenes and pray for peace and progress for the town. The National President of Osi Progressive Union (OPU) Mr. Oludare Fadogba prayed for the peace of God to reign in the town as well as quick reconciliation, economic growth and developments of the town and neighboring towns.
Another high chief of the town and spokesperson for the Enumo group of high chiefs in Osi Ekiti, Chief Obaaji Abiodun Ademilua congratulated the Oba elect, Osi Ekiti residents at home and for their “resilience to attain the feat,” stressing “God will crown your efforts with preponderance of peace, prosperity and progress in our kingdom.”
“We pray for peace, progress and good health and unity of purpose amongst the people of Osi Ekiti both at home and in the diaspora,” said Chief Olutoye Ejalonibu Salami.
Chief Elizabeth Omoremi was full of joy for the peace and success of the selection process and the orderliness in the town and pray for its continuity.
“Your emergence as the next Olosi of Osi Ekiti is a long deserved wait,” said Mr. Oba Oso, chairman of the committee of friends who described the out-going reagent as the “architect of the “New Dawn” in the town. He also prayed for the reign of Prince Alabi to witness peace and tranquility in the town.
Chief Ejemusua of Osi Ekiti Benson Alabi also prayed for “abundant grace, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and long life as he takes charge as the king of the town.
