Ololade Adeyanju/
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has honoured the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with the traditional title of Aare Bas’ofin of Yorubaland (The Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland).
The message of his choice for the honour was delivered to the Speaker yesterday in his office, in Abuja, by the Basorun of Oyo/Head of the Oyomesi, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Emeritus Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; and Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Soji Ojoawo.
According to the appointment letter, personally signed by the Alaafin, Gbajabiamila was chosen for the honour as a “worthy representative of the glorious legacy of the check and balances that distinguished the system of government in Old Oyo Empire 100 years ahead of the British empire, and as a Model Legislator of Yoruba extraction in Nigeria”.
Reacting to the honour in a post on his social media pages, Gbajabiamila wrote, “I gladly accept this honour done to me by our Father, which is in appreciation of my legislative activities and representation of our constituents for about two decades.
“I am fully aware that many Nigerians still expect so much from us beyond where we are today as a people. I strongly commit to playing my role credibly in building a better place for Nigerians who have entrusted us with their mandate.
“Whilst I thank the Oyomesi in Council and Kabiyesi Iku Baba Yeye, my most profound gratitude to Almighty God and the people of Surulere 1 federal constituency, Lagos for enabling my legislative sojourn from 2003 till date.
“We shall continue to make good laws for the development of Yoruba land and all parts of the country.”
