Sonny Kuku installed Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland one month after 80th birthday
Co-founder of Eko Hospital Sonny Kuku has been installed as the fourth Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland.
The Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona chaired the installation on Saturday at the Ojude Pavilion.
The ceremony was also marked alongside Kuku’s 80th birthday. He turned 80 on January 3, 2024.
The pro-chancellor of the University of Benin succeeded his late uncle and lawyer, Bayo Kuku, the third Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland who died in 2015.
Dignitaries at the event were led by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
Others were the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; former governors of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel who currently represents Ogun East in the Senate, among others.
Royal fathers at the event included the Akarigbo and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adewale Ajayi, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Kehinde Olugbenle, the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Adedapo Tejuoso, amongst others.
The Awujale said the selection of Kuku for the position was based on merit and his loyalty to the throne.
He said, “Let no one think that that the choice of Olor’oogun Sonny Kuku was influenced by anyone, I did not pick him as the new Ogbeni Oja for any reason other than for being worthy of this highly coveted seat.
“He has proven to be so loyal to the Awujale throne and demonstrated capability for leadership. I urge him to continue in that trajectory and continue to use his networks worldwide to uplift the socio-economic development of Ijebuland and Ogun State as a whole.”
Kuku spoke with journalists at the event, saying he was honoured to be chosen by the Awujale for the exalted office.
