Accra, Ghana – Mary Ikoku, a renowned figure in Nigeria’s development and public relations sphere, has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Ugwu Igbo 1’ of Ghana chieftaincy title by the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, Dr. Amb. Chukwudi J Ihenetu.

This remarkable recognition comes as a tribute to Mary Ikoku’s exceptional integrity and leadership qualities that she has consistently demonstrated throughout her illustrious career, as well as her unwavering commitment to serving humanity.

The investiture ceremony took place during the 11th Igbo Day & New Yam Festival, held on September 17 at the picturesque Efua Sutherland Park, situated just opposite the National Theatre in Ghana.

Dr. Amb. Chukwudi J Ihenetu, the Eze Ndigbo Ghana, who presided over the ceremony, hailed Mary Ikoku’s outstanding leadership and pioneering contributions to humanitarian causes, emphasizing that her dedication sets her apart as a beacon among her peers.

Reacting to the honour, Mary Ikoku expressed her surprise and gratitude at receiving the title. She acknowledged that it served as a testament to the recognition of her contributions to the betterment of humanity through her intervention to the welfare of women and children by people beyond the borders of Nigeria.

Mary Ikoku is a multi-skilled development and policy expert specializing in strategy and communications. She has significantly advanced developmental initiatives in Nigeria, particularly focusing on women, children, the vulnerable and displaced populations, as well as policy formulation and execution.

In addition to her distinguished career, Mary Ikoku ventured into politics and stood as an aspirant for the House of Representatives in the Arochukwu-Ohafia Federal Constituency, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the previous general elections. Her multifaceted contributions have continued to inspire and make a lasting impact on various facets of society.

Mary Ikoku’s receipt of the ‘Ugwu Igbo 1’ chieftaincy title in Ghana stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to integrity, leadership, and service to humanity, further solidifying her legacy as a distinguished figure in Nigeria and beyond.

Iperuland was agog on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 as a former member of the Federal House of Representatives who represented Remo Federal Constituency, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu was installed as the Seriki of Iperuland by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperuland.

The installation which took at two different locations starting from the “Lopere Society House” (the traditional society by right expected to nominate and endorse individual fit for the post of Seriki and at the Palace of the Alaperu of Iperu.

It was gathered that office of the Seriki of Iperuland has been vacant for almost forty (40) years after the demise of Balogun Martins. There was no occupier of the title due to conflict of succession which eventually escalated to brewing conflicts amongst families, traditional institutions, among the Islamic faithful and various communities in Iperuland.

After forty years of succession-conflicts which had led to disintegration IperuLand, the installation of Adebutu provided the first opportunity where all factions were present, dialogue and made new dawn for Iperuland in unity.

After several successful meetings, Adebutu was unanimously selected as the Seriki of Iperuland by all factions who became united after forty years that the position has been vacant.

Iperuland has witnessed tremendous unity among the families, traditional councils in a short period after the nomination of Adebutu.

Contrary to misconceptions that the title is Islamic and not traditional, Adebutu while making his acceptance speech made known that the title of Seriki is a gazetted title which is the second in command amongst Kingmakers in Iperuland.

Hon. Ladi Adebutu has been a grassroot man who knows his onions and understands the terrain and his people,

The Chairman, Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation, Hon. (Dr) Oladidupo Adebutu will be installed as the Seriku of Iperuland on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperuland.

According to a release issued on Monday by the Media Consultant to Hon Adebutu, Afolabi Orekoya, the conferment of the Seriki of Iperuland on Hon. Adebutu is a happily accepted by the sons and daughters of Iperuland without any controversy.

The Seriki, is one of the foremost and very important Chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland and also very key in the structure of Iperu Traditional Council.

The nomination and installation of Adebutu as the Seriki is in appreciation of his unprecedented philanthropic gestures within and outside Ogun State. On many occasions, he has been described as a reputable human capacity builder whose impacts have been felt by all and sundry.

Prior to this installation as Seriki of Iperuland, Adebutu has been honoured by renowned and first Class Obas in Yorubaland all in recognition of his goodness to mankind and humanity; contribution to economic advancement and development without any form of solicitation.

Some of these high ranking Chieftaincy titles conferred on Adebutu include the Otun-Odole Oodua (of the Source) by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi , The Lisa Aje of Egbaland by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr) Aremu Gbadebo, the Lisa Aje of OTA/Aworiland by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, Olota of Ota, also the Otun Ajagungbade of Remoland by the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo of blessed memory and a host of others.