WHEN GLORIA IBRU BAGGED YEYE AMULUDUN OF KWEME KINGDOM TITLE

 Oba Sejiro James, Aholu Henwa of Kweme cuts his anniversary cake with his Olori, other royal fathers and their Oloris 

Words By Paul Ukpabio, Photos By Biodun Adeyewa

Last Saturday, Kweme Kingdom in Badagry was a beehive of activities as the entire kingdom celebrated the 12^th year anniversary of Oba Sejiro James, Aholu Henwa of Kweme, the traditional ruler of the Kingdom. Dignitaries came from all over the country and beyond, to celebrate with the Oba and his Olori and the people of the Kingdom.

(Middle) Gloria Ibru the Yeye Amuludun of Kweme Kingdom with family members at the event

The ceremonies on Saturday started with the Oba Sejiro James, Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, honoring illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom and friends of the kingdom with different chieftaincy titles.

One of those scheduled to be conferred with such Chieftaincy title that Saturday by the Oba of Kweme Kingdom in council, happened to be Gloria Ibru, aka Mama G, the first daughter of the Late Billionaire Olorogun Michael Ibru, who in his life time, had vast resources in Shipping, manufacturing, trading, hospitality industry and other sectors of the economy.

A top musician and businesswoman, Gloria Ibru traveled out of her Apapa residence that early morning with a huge entourage, through the Lagos Lagoon in luxury boats to Badagry. And then came, the long driving stretch to Kweme Kingdom located in the heart of Owode, on the border between Lagos, Nigeria, and the Republic of Benin.

(First Right, Elvina with Obukome Ibru before the beginning of the traditional rites)

The entourage arrived to the noise of drumming and dancing from the Palace of the Oba. Festivities were the order of the day. The Erelu of Kweme Kingdom was fully in charge of the hospitality affairs for the guests at the event.

Throughout the day, the Oba received gifts from his Chiefs, Subjects and different groups, from different part of the town and outside, who came to pay homage to him.

There were also Royal Fathers from inside and outside Lagos. Some of the popular faces were: the Oba of Iwo, Oba Akamuja of Ikere Ekiti, Baales, Church leaders, Muslim Clerics and many others who were there to celebrate with the Oba.

Gloria Ibru and her huge entourage from Lagos arrived at the peak of the celebrations. And the Oba obliged the top Musician cum businesswoman, the privilege of being conferred with the title of the Yeye Amuludun of Kweme Kingdom. 

More traditional ceremonies along with exchange of traditional gifts followed amidst drumming and dancing. An elated Gloria Ibru, spoke to us after the event.