Oore of Otun-Ekiti Throws Weight Behind SWS on Development
By Roseline Okakah
The Oore of Otun-Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of the Moba Kingdom in Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, has reiterated his commitment to women empowerment and inclusive societal development.
The monarch made this known while playing host to the StandUp for Women Society (SWS), South West Zone, during a courtesy visit to his palace. He emphasized that progress and development remain core priorities of his reign, stressing that investing in women is key to national growth.
According to him, “Once you educate a woman, you educate a nation. We believe so much in women and we support anything that promotes the progress and development of society.”
Commending members of the association for their appearance and composure, the traditional ruler noted that their attire reflected dedication and seriousness of purpose. He assured the group of his willingness to listen and explore ways of partnering with them for the benefit of the wider society.
Oba Adeagbo described Nigeria as a great nation blessed with diversity, noting that the country’s numerous tribes and cultures should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness. He said inclusiveness is essential for national development, warning that ethnicity and religious intolerance remain the greatest threats to unity.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, stating that the country is richly endowed with oil, many deposits of which are yet to be fully tapped.
He also stressed the importance of educated and visionary leadership in traditional institutions, noting that modern kings must add value to their communities.
The monarch praised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, describing him as a first-class, internationally respected traditional ruler whose developmental strides over the past decade are evident.
“Our joy is to bring development to our land. We will celebrate your culture, your vision, and we will partner with you,” the Oore assured the delegation.
In her remarks, the International President of the StandUp for Women Society, Barrister Deborah Ijadele Adetona, said the association was established to empower women and advocate for their rights, noting that the group’s mission is not to compete with men but to complement them.
She explained that the association focuses on training women, ensuring their voices are heard at higher levels of decision-making, and promoting discipline and responsibility among its members.
“We fight for the rights of women, but we also hold ourselves accountable. Our members have integrity, and we place great emphasis on training through national conferences to educate and empower ourselves,” she said.
Earlier, while introducing the group, Mr. Olatunde Balogun, a HeForShe advocate, explained that the StandUp for Women Society is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of women, stressing that such advocacy groups deserve maximum support.
The visit featured the decoration of the monarch as the zonal patron of the association, as well as a guided tour of the palace, including ancient sites and cultural landmarks, notably the Ule A Gba, the final resting place of ancestral kings, where prayers are traditionally offered and blessings invoked from the forefathers.
