House of Representatives Speaker Gbajabiamila has been crowned as the Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Legislative Guide for
Yorubaland) by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
This is the first time that a Yoruba son would be conferred with such a title, a statement by the speaker’s spokesperson Lanre Lasisi has said on Thursday.
The Alaafin made the conferment in a letter dated September 7, 2021, and presented to the Speaker on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja by members of the Oyomesi Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, Yusuf Olayinka Ayoola.
The Alaafin said in the letter that: “Since your victory at the polls and subsequent swearing-in as a member of Federal House of Representatives representing the good people of Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and eventual emergence as the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the 9th National Assembly House of Representatives via an overwhelming 283 votes out of 360 members.
“Going by the above, you have demonstrated as a legislator the uniqueness inherent in the Yoruba race participating effectively in nation-building; you have participated in ensuring the practice of separation of power to check abuses of the Executive and ensure the smooth running of government.
“After due consideration and indeed consultation, the Alaafin in Council has identified you with the aforementioned attributes and considered you worthy of being honoured. It is on this basis that I have decided on behalf of Yoruba land to pick you as ‘AARE – BAASOFIN OF YORUBA LAND.’
Presenting the letter, High Chief Ayoola, who spoke in Yoruba language, said the selection of the speaker as the first Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland land was well thought out.
Accepting the honour, Speaker Gbajabiamila said he was full of appreciation and pride looking at where the title came from.
“I honestly want to thank Alaafin for this gesture; this honour that he has done to me and the House of Representatives. May the Almighty God continue to honour him.
“I receive this honour with pride because of where it is coming from. You cannot talk about Yorubaland and not talk about the Alaafin and the Oyo Kingdom as the cradle of civilization.”
