Shortly after the visit of the Kwara State Governor HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the Kwara State Library Complex on Monday, 16th September 2019, in less than 24 hours, I wrote an open letter to the Governor. The open letter was titled “Letter to the Governor of Kwara State, H.E Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq” (See: https://www.nairaland.com/5422489/letter-governor-kwara-state-h.e). In the open letter, I raised concern about the urgent need to give public libraries in Kwara state the necessary attention that would lead to sustainable information literacy and make Kwara state a leading knowledge society in Nigeria. In the letter, I referred to how David Afolayan Memorial Library, a public library in Iludun Oro, which was donated by the family of David Afolayan to Iludun Oro played a significant role in my secondary school education and made me fall in love with the library.
Less than two hours after the open letter was published, I received a WhatsApp call from an international number. The caller introduced himself as “Olaniyi”. For about 3 seconds, I couldn’t say anything because the voice wasn’t familiar. The caller went on to introduce himself. “I know you; your cousins Seun Ayandokun and Olumide Ayandokun and I are friends in Iludun Oro, you should know me”, the caller stated. While he was talking, I quickly remembered him, and we exchanged pleasantries.
“Adetola, I called to commend you for the open letter, and I think we should find a way to work collaboratively to improve the condition of the David Afolayan Library,” the caller stated. The caller went on to talk about how he has been involved in promoting Yoruba culture in Canada and his upcoming event in Oyo with the late Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, Iku Baba Yeye.
The then caller is now the newly appointed Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye. It is not surprising that among the heirs to the throne of Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye was found worthy of occupying the throne of his forebears.
With this development, the new Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye is expected to provide traditional and cultural leadership towards the socioeconomic prosperity of Oro Kingdom. In the new Oloro, Oro Kingdom has found a cosmopolitan youth, a promoter of Yoruba cultural values and a personality who is passionate about community development. Having him as the new Oloro of Oro marks a new dawn in Oro Kingdom.
As a son of Oro Kingdom, it is with great excitement that I join the good people of Oro Kingdom and your well-wishers in celebrating your appointment as the Oloro of Oro Kingdom. Kabiyesi, may God almighty give you the knowledge, wisdom and all the resources you need to direct the affairs of Oro Kingdom. During your reign, the entirety of Oro Kingdom will experience greatness and prosperity. All the sons and daughters of Oro Kingdom, home and abroad and the inhabitants of Oro Kingdom will prosper and flourish in all their endeavours in Jesus Name. Amen.
Adetola A. Kehinde is from Arowomole Compound, Iludun Oro.
