How do you feel being honoured with the conferment of the traditional title of Yeye Asa'To God be the glory. At the first instance when I was told by the Planning Committee of Isinro Festival with a letter from the throne of Orangun and was later presented before His Royal Majesty (HRM), Kabiyesi Oba Abdul Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibiire I, the Orangun of Ila and the Community of Ila, I was surprised because I was not thinking or expecting such a huge honour from anywhere and especially from my town. When it later became a reality after consultations, prayers and final acceptance, I feel highly blessed by my creator, I feel grateful to the various minds that nominated me for the position and honour, and finally I am ever thankful to God who made the day a fruitful and hitch-free outing.What traditional or customary role does the Yeye Asa of Ila Orangun kingdom play'As a certified journalist, a poet, and a university lecturer with special focus on oral literature, performance and culture and my strong passion for the promotion of tourism, I have no doubt that my rich cultural exploits will put me in a better stead to excellently play the roles that will be expected of Yy s as a cultural ambassador of Yoruba culture and traditions. Also, as a member of various professional bodies such as ANTP, FIBAN, AWABE, NANTAP, YSAN, ALA, Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Ile Naijiria, and many other academic groups testify to my ability to play the role of Yy s. Though it should be stressed that the title is an honourary one, there has not been any Yy s before me, the title does not require that I sit in the traditional council of the Chiefs rather it requires that I am involved in the educational and moral development of the community of Ila-Orangun and its environs by offering useful information and serve in advisory capacity to groups in the town. These among other positive activities will be some of the areas I am expected to co-function with other honourees of the day. What do the traditional ruler of Ila Orangun use as criteria for conferring the Yeye Asa on an individual'This I may not be able to state. All I know is that I was nominated and consulted before installation.How is the conferment of the title and its expectations going to influence your career as a lecturer of performing and literary/oral arts/literature'God giveth wisdom and not man. With God's help and perseverance, I think I will remain myself as a woman who forever will value and cherish the concept of Omolb in everything I do. That I have an additional title or honour should not change my person, but I know more is expected from whom much is given. So, I pray that God will assist me to continue to flourish in good nature and health to live up to the societal expectations of me. With what God has endowed me coupled with my training in humanities, I have realised that it is good to be humane and as an emerging scholar, I am expected to be an ambassador of every good aspects of Yorb cultural values in terms of carriage, the use of Yoruba Language and to be a role model to young female ones in our society. I am a firm believer in the Yoruba saying that Igi rere k nso so bbur ll. The saying captures what I stand for. Also, do not forget, the motor of my institution, Obafemi Awolowo University is 'For Learning and Culture' So, I should do more to promote the good culture of Africans. God Help me to rather be best the more. What other things would you like to say generally'All I have left is prayers and appreciations. I sincerely want to appreciate God for all He has done in my life and what He is yet to do. I pray that He preserves my life to serve Him the more, and to be useful to the various communities that I may find myself in life. My further appreciations go to all who found me useful to this generation, by nominating me for such an honour. In particular is the Oba Abdul Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibiire I, the Orangun of Ila-Orangun from Arutu Oluokun lineage and the Eesaya Abosede Oyedotun and other Oloris, the community of Ila-Orangun, my maternal and paternal families, all important people who found their ways to Ila-Orangun, my home town, on September 17, 2012, despite the fact that it was a working day, a Monday! I also appreciate so many great people from the cabinet of the governor in Osun State who showed love and graced the occasion to felicitate with me and my family. Especially at the occasion were the Orangun of Oke-Ila, HRM Oba Dr. Abolarin Adedokun, the Aroyinkeye IV, HRM Oba Adebolu Fatunmise, the Adagba of Iyanfoworogi in Ile-Ife, the two representatives of Her Excellency Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Hon. Prince Tilewa Sijuwade, the Special Assistant to Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Funmilayo Eso-Williams, the Hon Commisioner for Women Affairs- Hon. Mrs. Moromoke Adetoun, the entire Staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture represented Hon Sikiru Ayedun, the Staff of Art Council. I also appreciate other dignitaries such as Engr. Bashir Ishola Awotorebo, former Minister of State for Water Resources, Ambs. Adegunju Adesakin, Dr. Mrs. Lateefat Durosinmi, the Dean Students Affairs OAU, Ile-Ife, Chairman Hall Warden OAU - Mr. Popoola, Rev. FR. Prof. T.M. Ilesanmi, Dr. Akin Alao, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Dr. Ayo Opefeyitimi, Dr. Adisa Ogunfolakan, the Acting Director Natural History Museum, OAU, Dr. Mrs. Hunsu, Dr. Mrs Arua, Dr. E.T.O Babalola of English Department, and many other Senior and young academic colleagues from Dramatic Arts Department, Staff of Music Department, colleagues from Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. In-laws and friends from Ondo State, The United Sisters from Ebenezer Baptist Church in Eleyele, Ile-Ife, Rev. Mamadelo, Rev. Ogunniyi of the Baptist Church, The Association of Iyalode in Osun States, the FIBAN from Ile-Ife, the Crew from Orisun FM in Ile-Ife, The Director of CBAAC, Professor Tunde Babawale, represented by Mr. Ibraheem and other staff members, friends from University of Ibadan, the U and I Crew from Osogbo, all graduated and my existing students from OAU, many artists and friends from far and near, I and my families remain thankful to you ALL. Oj yn y ma r ire.
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