Excitement as Yoruba community of Nigeria crowned new king in Cameroon
…Consul General calls for unity, peace and patriotism
Thousands crammed the streets of Douala and dignitaries and friends flew in from around the world as the Nigeria Community in Littoral-Cameroon crowned a new king, HRM, Oba Bashirou Aweda in his venerated title as Ilufemiloye 1 and his designated royal assistant, the Otunba , Dr Azeez Mustapha, recently in Koumassi, locality in the Douala.
The coronation of Oba Bashirou and Otunba Azeez Mustapha, came 21 years after they were chosen by the Yoruba community in Cameroon to lead them.
The coronation rites for the Oba, was performed by the Chairman of the Yoruba Community in the Littoral, Dr. Abdul Lateef Abdul Aziz Olaide.
The Oba in turn, crowned his Otunba also known as the second in command. They were both presented to the entire community in an atmosphere of praises filled the area as the people, in one accord hailed their leaders in the Yuroba language, saying » Kabiyesi Ilufemiloye, ki Bata pe le se.Ki iru kere o did okini ». The veneration in the Yoruba language, literally translated in English, will mean » the chief who had been chosen by his people to be their leader, he did not inherit the throne. »
The Chieftaincy duty of the Obas as a traditional custodian and leader of his people in Cameroon, has much to do with the preservation of the cultural heritage, maintaining peace amongst his people , ensuring they live in accordance with the laws of the land and protecting the image of Nigeria while in Cameroon.
The Oba and his Otunba were enjoined by the Consul General for the Littoral and West Regions Ambassador Queen Efe Alexandra Clarks – Omeru to ensure that the community peacefully cohabit with their host community, Cameroon, whose government has over the years show much support to their motherland- Nigeria. The Consul General, also called on all Nigerians present to patronize Nigerian businesses and entities in Douala.
Oba Bashirou Aweda is the 5th to have been enthroned since the union of the Yoruba community in the Littoral was created in 1964. The group has since served to extend the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people to Cameroon with the mission to support one another, create a sense of belonging and a family where members can find comfort away from home.
Similarly, some community leaders as well as worthy Nigerians were awarded for their work towards the progress of the community for years. Aside these, prominent Nigerian union figures amongst which was Eze Thomas Johnathan Onyengubo, the President of the Nigerian union, Chief BIC Okwujiaku , were decorated with the Honourary Chieftaincy titles in Yoruba such as the » Atobaase », meaning « one who is competent enough to be King », the « Asiwaju »,which means » one who is first amongst other leaders.
The publisher and CEO of Naija Diaspora magazine, Ismail Adegbola was also celebrated with chieftaincy title as Akogun (Master of destiny) for consistently being a proactive member of the community promoting the culture of Nigeria to the world.
