Chief Bosun Sipe, Baale Aba-Paanu, Ago-Iwoye
The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Razaq Adesina Adenugba, has officially installed an accomplished banker, Chief Abdul-Mojeed ‘Bosun Sipe, as the Baale of Aba-Paanu Village, Ago-Iwoye.
Great Achiever Magazine reports that the colourful event, which attracted distinguished personalities from all walks of life, took place at the Ebumawe’s Palace on Thursday, 19th August, 2021.
HRH Oba Abdul-Razaq Adesina Adenugba
Oba Adenugba commended the people of Aba-Paanu Village for selecting Chief Bosun Sipe as the Baale, saying that his choice is undoubtedly a perfect one, considering his antecedents.
The Royal Father went down memory lane, recalling how as a banker, he held Chief Sipe in high esteem and as a role model in the banking sector.
Oba Adenugba said Chief Sipe has never disappointed him throughout the years that he had known him, adding that as the Baale of Aba-Paanu, he was confident that Chief Sipe will use his connections and rich experience in both public and private sectors to bring development to the village.
The monarch therefore urged the people of Aba-Paanu Village to cooperate and support the new Baale in the task of building the village, while he advised Chief Sipe to carry the people of the village along in his administration and decision making.
Special prayers were offered for the success of Chief Bosun Sipe as the new Baale of Aba-Paanu Village.
In his acceptance speech, the new Baale thanked God and appreciated Oba Adenugba, who he said God used to make the special occasion of his installation possible.
Chief Sipe described his installation as a unique occasion because he is the first Baale in Aba-Paanu Moborode to be elected through normal pragmatic process, while he comes from one of the established ruling houses (Sanusi-Aina Igbemo Akadi ruling house). He also said his selection came through series of screenings, both natural and spiritual means in the realm of traditional source.
The new Baale thanked the people of Aba-Paanu for their unflinching support in making the installation a reality. He commended the Alase Awori, Chief Olusegun Osuntoye for his steadfastness and the Odusanya family for protecting the legacy of their forefathers.
Speaking in an interview with Great Achiever Magazine, Baale Bosun Sipe disclosed that the journey to his installation started a year ago.
Narrating how he emerged as the Baale, Chief Bosun said after the demise of the past Baale, the four ruling houses in Aba-Paanu came together to select a successor.
The selection process, according to Chief Sipe, was done four times without finding a suitable candidate. After the stalemate, Oba Adenugba advised that a new and suitable candidate should be looked for.
Thereafter, four candidates were identified, while the selection process was held at the Ebumawe’s Palace where the Ifa Oracle was consulted transparently in the presence of the four ruling houses.
After the process, Chief Bosun Sipe emerged victorious and Oba Adenugba announced him as the successful Baale-Elect.
Commenting on his reaction when the Ifa Oracle chose him, Chief Sipe said he was close to tears because he never expected it. However, everyone embraced him and he accepted it as a call to duty.
The new Baale, while speaking on his plans to turn Aba-Paanu Village to a city said its population and nearness to town, as well as the farm produce coming from there qualify it for a City.
He said: “We intend to enhance and harness all the resources available there, both natural and physical. Then, with the support of governmental agencies, we intend to put all the needed amenities in place which will attract the presence of people and we will get recognition for a City status”.
In meeting up with the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Aba-Paanu, Chief Sipe disclosed that, “a needs assessment will be carried out to enable us know the immediate needs of the people and the village.
“Going further, we want to upgrade the maternity centre and the school there. We also want to introduce adult education to the people there, while we will establish a mini market that will serve as a pre-market for the major neighbouring Mamu market day where our farm produce will be sold.
“With this, we will showcase our potentials and the products we have to the world and this will put Aba-Paanu on the world map”.
Chief Sipe assured of his complete integration with the residents of Aba-Paanu Village, despite the long years of his sojourn in the city, saying that he was born and brought up there.
He said most of his friends in Ago-Iwoye are from Aba-Paanu, while more often, he visited the village to grace many occasions such as the school inter-house sport, where a sporting house name was instituted in the memory of his late mother, Mrs. Ejimot- Saka Sipe, as a way of contributing to the development of sports in the village. Aside from that, the new Baale also has a 4-acre plantain farm in Ago-Iwoye.
Chief Bosun Sipe, in his message to the people of Aba-Paanu, appealed for love, harmony and peace among them, advising that they must always unite in whatever they want to do.
He also appealed to his co-contestants during the selection process to join hands with him for the development of Aba-Paanu, as there was no victor, no vanquished.
