PHOTOS: Encomium as Iyaloja General of Oyo state, Abeo becomes Aare’ birin Oodua
The conferment of the Aare’ birin Oodua to Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo NURUDEEN is such a special and uncommon title because of its significance in Yoruba heritage in the South West of Nigeria, as anyone who appreciates tradition and culture will understand.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye) presented the special title Aare’birin Iyaniwura Oodua Agbaiye to the Iyaloja General of Oyo state and Southwest Coordinator, Market Traders Association of Nigeria MATAN, on Wednesday at a Post Election Yoruba Summit in Ibadan.
Addressing journalists after the pronouncement by the Global President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare (Oba) Barr. Oladotun Hassan, Abeo who is fondly called by her admirer and supporters expressed her gratitude to God for the opportunity.
She said: “I’m eternally grateful to have received the title of Aare’birin Iyaniwura Oodua Agbaiye. I will always and forever uphold and fulfill my responsibilities.
“My role as Aare’birin Oodua will benefit Yorubaland. It is an additional responsibility to spread our culture, tradition and lifestyle to all parts of Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
“As a Royal Princess of Oyo Kingdom, I have always been close to the traditional institution and I am glad to state that I have learnt more than enough to last me for a lifetime. I am well versed in Yoruba heritage and that’s helped me to grow into this present role.
“This role came as a surprise. I was humbled by the gesture by the leadership of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and I will do everything to justify my appointment. I will be using this platform to create awareness about our culture, help women grow economically and inspire our girl-child, ladies and teaming Youths to reach their full potentials.”
It will be recalled that Princess Folashade Abeo, who was born in Oyo, received the Iyaniwura Oodua Agbaiye award at the 5th World Omoluabi Festival EKOFEST’23, which was held on May 1 at the National Arts Theater in Iganmu, Lagos.
Supporters and well-wishers from the state market leaders accompanied Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo.