Iwoye-Ketu, the ancient town in Imeko Afon Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun state, and also a town that covers two countries ; Republic of Benin and Nigeria has elected a new monarch, Prince Isaac Adegbenro Oyero.
Prince Oyero, who is the Ooye of Iwoye-Ketu elect, last Thursday upon his selection rode to the Iwoye-Ketu town with pomp and pagentry.
During his royal ride into town, the whole Iwoye-Ketu and his environs stood still, with market men and women abandoning their wares to honour the newly elected monarch.
Also the entire Streets of Iwoye-Ketu starting from Imeko town to the Palace of Ooye of Iwoye-Ketu, youths roll out drums, while women, men and children were all in their happy moods to have seen a true Prince from the two royal houses in the town to have emerged as a monarch.
The motorcade that took the Oba Elect to the town had an hectic task before it could maneuvered its way to the town due to the large numbers of residents that accompanied the newly elected monarch to Iwoye-Ketu.
Prince Oyero who expressed his profound gratitude to the people on his heroic welcome, assured the indigenes and residents of Iwoye-Ketu in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State of unprecedented development during his reign.
Oyero, who was recently elected by the kingmakers in the historical and ancient town that has produced three generalissimos (Aare Ona Kakanfo) of Yorubaland, also promised to facilitate government presence in the town.
He identified access to good roads, insecurity caused by herders/farmers clashes, lack of drinkable water, and other social amenities as some of the challenges confronting the town, which borders the Republic of Benin.
Prior to Oyero’s emergence as the new Ooye of Iwoye-Ketu, his candidacy was met with initial opposition from some quarters, but his widespread acceptance and popularity among the people ultimately overshadowed the opposition, paving the way for his unanimous selection as the new monarch.
Prince Oyero, a devoted Christian, was overwhelmed by the warm reception he received from the people, as he proceeds into seclusion, a sacred rite of passage marking the commencement of his reign.
The seclusion, which is expected to last for seven days is a time-honored tradition in Iwoye-Ketu, allowing the new monarch to undergo spiritual purification, introspection, and preparation for his royal duties.
Speaking with newsmen after performing some spiritual rites, Oba Oyero stated that he seeks the cooperation of both indigenes and non-indigenes in the town to move Iwoye-Ketu forward.
“I want to appeal to our people, both at home and in the diaspora, to come and invest in our town. We have vast land for agriculture, and I believe that together, we can develop our town and make it a better place for all.
“I can assure them that during my reign, there will be rapid development. We are bringing development to this town and we will device strategies that can attract investors who will come and invest in Iwoye-Ketu”, he said.
Iwoye-Ketu, a predominantly agrarian community, which is historically significant as a border town between Benin Republic and Nigeria, has produced three Yoruba warlords, including the famous Are Ona Kakanfo
