This week’s edition of PERSONALITY FOCUS on acrossnigerianews.com is to feature HRM Oba Nicolas Oyelami Folaranmi, the Onidiko of Idiko-Ile Kingdom, Iwajowa Local Government, Area of Oyo State.
The monarch was picked as a personality for the week, after we had thoroughly conducted background check on his current reign as the Onidiko of Idiko-Ile Kingdom and his firm stance on progress of the ancient town.
On his profile, he was born at Idiko-Ile, Iwajowa Local Government, to the family of Prince Folaranmi Ajasa and late Mrs Atilola Anike on 13th September, 1954.
“He attended St. Pius Catholic Primary School, Idiko-Ile from 1963 to 1968, he after that proceeded to St Kizito Minor Seminary Ede Osun State and later Iganna High School, Iganna 1981-1982 academic session for the completion of his secondary education”.
Oba Folaranmi worked as a Storekeeper at renowned company, Ikeja Lagos, Lagos State Ministry of Justice(1974-1976), and New Age Insurance Broker as a field officer in 1982-1986 respectively.
The Kabiyesi participated in the year 2002 Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was awarded as Justice of peace in the year 1998 by the Oyo State Military Administrator.
On his reign as the king of the ancient town, Oba Folaranmi extended warmest gratitude to people whose support and cooperation keep aiding his leadership from where it was before before ascending the throne on 19th September, 1986.
Oba Folaranmi in his interaction with the crew of acrossnigerianews.com disclosed that education remains the bedrock which its importance is needed for the development of every community, and he however lamented on shortage of teachers at both public primary and secondary schools in the ancient town. Calling on Oyo State Government to help expedite action on deployment of teachers to the ancient town.
He reiterated his commitment to improvement of agriculture and engagement of investors in the area, and he moreover elucidated that the ancient town has enough land to Imeko axis of Ogun State which can be used for agriculture in order to develop the ancient town in all ramifications.
He lamented poor road network and insecurity as major impediments to fruition of agriculture in the area. The monarch called on governments at all levels to intervene on their challenges, which would permanently settle rift between farmers and Fulani Herdsmen, and also ensure guarantee of motorable roads for promotion of all commercial activities.
He challenged Ogun State Government which keeps extending tentacles to land which belongs to Idiko-ile, noting that this ugly development had about two years necessitated the invitation of Oyo State Surveyor General to the ancient town in order to fight injustice. He called on Oyo State Government to help expedite actions on it so that the heritage of their forefathers can’t be claimed and taken away by the outsiders.
He showed appreciation to late Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, Barr. Adeniyi Farinto and his children whose support can’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Oba Folaranmi equally thanked Governor Seyi Makinde on construction of Idiko-Ile/Ijio road and moreover appealed for completion of road to International border, in order to accelerate businesses.
The Monarch appreciated the Governor on his giant strides on infrastructure and security, and however enjoined him not to forget the rights and privileges of the traditional rulers.
