The Akran of Badagry, Oba De When-Aholu, Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, and Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams have urged Nigerians in the diaspora to constantly keep in touch with their ancestral home, as no place can ever be like home.
Speaking during the installation of Mrs. Titilope Hassan as ‘Yeye Sewa of Badagry Kingdom’, the foremost traditional ruler said when people forget their roots, they lose everything and life becomes boring and meaningless.
"Your origin, culture, and language are what make you who you are. The moment you lose these three things, you lose everything and life will naturally become meaningless. So, whoever lost his culture and tradition is not fit to live.”
Oba Aholu disclosed further that the chieftaincy title bestowed on Mrs. Titilope Hassan was in recognition of her commitment to the development of the Badagry Kingdom and Nigeria at large
“When somebody is good in the city, they will entrust him or her with responsibility. Chieftaincy titles in our kingdom are not for rich people but only those with good character.
“So the installation of Titilope Hassan as ‘Yeye Sewa of Badagry Kingdom was in recognition of her commitment to the promotion of peace and development in Nigeria and the diaspora. She is our good daughter who represents us very well in the diaspora, and she is always in touch with our homeland.”
Meanwhile, the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, in his remarks said the reason for the establishment of our diaspora group the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) in 2011 is to help Yoruba sons and daughters in the diaspora to keep in touch with their ancestral homes.
Iba Adams added that he is happy that the newly installed Yeyeshewa of Badagry is a product of the OPU that is presently in 87 countries
across the six continents of the world.
"Today I am happy to be here as the global convener of OPU and also as a witness to the success and installation of one of our leading lights in OPU Italy, Chief Mrs.Titilope Hassan who is the Yeyeshewa of Badagry.
"That is no small achievement. So, I am using this opportunity to tell other members of our noble organization to think of making an impact at home.
"What Titilope Hassan has done today will surely have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Badagry and its environs.
On her installation as Yeye Sewa of the Badagry Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Titilope Hassan said that recognition for good work will prompt her to do more,
“ Let me quickly say this, the Akran of Badagry is not somebody that just gives people chieftaincy title anyhow.“He has been on this throne for more than four decades and only a few people have been bestowed with chieftaincy titles. So, when I learned about the king's decision to install me as Yeye Sewa of Badagry Kingdom, I was shocked because I didn’t expect it.
“I thank all the people that supported me on this journey, most especially, the Aare OnaKakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams for holding us together in the diaspora and always reminding us not to forget home.”
