After searching the seven hills and lakes, and hamlets and houses in the entire city of Ibadan, the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, has settled for Ehi Ogbebor, the Edo-born paramour of popular transport unionist, MC Oluomo, as the businesswoman most worthy to hold the honourary title of Yeye Oge of Ibadanland.
This was conveyed to Ehi, the CEO of Sayaveth Interiors, by a delegation from the King that visited her palatial Lagos home earlier today, February 4th. While reading the letter, Ehi grinned and giggled, and was prodded and applauded by the people in attendance.
However, the news of the honourary title did not go down well with many observers and indigenes who have termed it a tragic-comedy and travesty of the traditional institution. A prominent indigene said that Ibadan, regarded as Nigeria’s third most populous city after Lagos and Kano, and her largest city by geographical area, is not in short supply of industrious businesswomen who are more deserving of the title. “Can we say that old age is affecting the Olubadan or he is being influenced by K1 De-Ultimate who is known to be very close to the King and Ehi’s boyfriend, MC Oluomo,” the indigene asked rhetorically. The Olubadan celebrated his 92nd birthday last August.
Before his kingship, the Olubadan was a big-time music promoter and owned Omo Aje Records now Babalaje Records, which was one of the biggest record labels promoting indigenous music. It was the label under which Fuji maestro, K1 De Ultimate, released over 40 albums and live performance recordings. The relationship between the Olubadan and K1, who is now the Maiyegun of Oyoland, is like that of a father and son.
During his installation as the 41st Olubadan in 2016, K1 not only performed, he was an integral part of the planning committee, of course, to the indignation of Ibadan-bred Fuji artistes like Obesere and Saheed Osupa who felt usurped and undermined. MC Oluomo, whose real name is Musiliu Akinsanya, is the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and a deep pocket fan of K1. Many feel strongly that the Yeyeoge title for his serial divorcee-mistress may have been influenced by the popular Fuji artiste.
Stylish and sophisticated Ehi, who recently came to social media limelight as the newest love interest of the barely literate Oluomo, is a native of Edo State and is not known to have any business in the ancient city.
(The Capita NG)
