It was the last day of the school year, and students of Ilasan Senior Secondary School, Jakande, hurried home with excitement. Some students of the Junior Secondary School had already departed, while others celebrated jubilantly in Jakande Estate, Ilasan Town, and Ikate Town. The Junior Secondary School Three (J.S.S. 3) students, in particular, marked their graduation with joy, signifying the end of their time at the school.
During a visit to the Oba’s palace, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, welcomed the teachers and students of Ilasan Junior Secondary School. In his address, the monarch said, “It is a pleasure to meet the teachers and students of Ilasan Junior Secondary School.
“Firstly, I thank the principal of the school, Mrs. M.M. Salami, for her dedication to shaping the students with good morals and values, alongside their academic development. As the principal of the first secondary school under my jurisdiction, I commend your efforts and wish you sound health throughout your life, for you have made my dream come true.”
The Oba turned to the students, who listened attentively to his inspiring words. “Students,” he continued, “one of my dreams as the Oba of Ikateland is to establish primary and secondary schools to fulfill the ambition of my forefathers.”
He went on to explain the profound meaning of “IKATE,” a name given by his ancestors:
I – I
K – King
A – Ademola
T – Target
E – Education
“I, King Ademola, target education,” he declared with pride, emphasizing his commitment to education as a cornerstone of his reign.
This excerpt is drawn from an upcoming novel written in honor of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kushenla III), by Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe (ITK).
A Tribute to HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi
As the custodian of Ikateland, we wish HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi a long and prosperous reign, filled with health and wisdom. Your unwavering commitment to education, culture, and tradition continues to inspire future generations. May your dreams of advancing Ikateland’s legacy be fulfilled abundantly.
In Remembrance of Late Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi (Kushenla II)
In solemn remembrance, we honor the life and reign of Late Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi. Fifteen years have passed since his transition to the ancestral realm, yet his noble deeds and the strong foundation he laid for Ikateland remain a guiding light.
A Dirge for Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi (Kushenla II):
The skies wept when you departed,
The earth trembled in sorrow.
A king of vision and strength,
Whose torch illuminated Ikateland.
Your legacy lives on,
In the lands you nurtured,
In the dreams you sowed.
May your soul rest in eternal peace,
As we carry forward your honor.
Composed and Written by:
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe (ITK)
