The member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Chief James Abiodun Faleke has been applauded for facilitating the building of a State-of-the-art Palace for the Olugbede of Gbede land.
Speakers upon Speakers gave the commendation at this year’s Gbede Cultural Day and Commissioning of the Palace at Ayetoro Gbede.
The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni in his remarks praised the generosity of the Federal Lawmaker to Constituency that did not elect him.
He described Chief Faleke as a proud son of Ijumu Kingdom, providing quality representation and a good Ambassador of Ijumu Kingdom.
“I must pause here and reflect on the significance of what this man has done. Honourable Faleke does not represent Gbede Kingdom. He does not represent Ijumu. His constituency is in Lagos. And yet, he looked across the miles, felt the pull of his roots and his love for this community, and chose to invest in the dignity of this kingdom by building a palace.
“This is what it means to be a son of the soil. This is what it means to carry your people in your heart regardless of where life has taken you. In a time when many who have been given the privilege to represent their own constituencies struggle to give back, Honourable Faleke has given to a kingdom that did not elect him — and that, I submit to you, is a rare and commendable quality.
“May this palace stand for generations as a monument to your generosity and your love for the Okun people. May God continue to honour you, elevate you, and reward your good deeds in abundance.
The Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom, HRM Oba (Col) Olusegun Oloruntoba (rtd), who was the delighted that the Palace was built during his reign.
Obo Oloruntoba stated that the entire people of Gbede Kingdom are grateful to Chief James Faleke for facilitating the building of a State-of-the-art Palace for the Olugbede Stool.
He also expressed the thanks of Gbede people to Arc. Salman Idris and Major General Funsho Owonibi (rtd) for taking the architectural design of the Palace upon themselves free of charge.
The National President of Gbede Development Union, Chief Israel Oshafunmi described the Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom as a Dynamic Leader with a vision that necessitated the annual Cultural celebration.
Chief Oshafunmi used the occasion to congratulate the Olugbede on his nomination as Nigeria Hero of Democracy Award.
He paid glowing tributes to Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency for facilitating the building of a befitting Palace for the Olugbede, a development he described as first of its kind in the history of the Area.
According to the Gbede President, the intervention of Chief Faleke and that of the member representing Kabba-Bunu Ijumu Federal Constituency, Arc. Salam Idris has brought relief to the long intention of Gbede Kingdom.
Chairman of the Planning Committee and Olu Iyah Gbede, HRH. Oba David Faleke said the ceremony which started about three years ago has yielded dividends in terms of unity, promotion of culture and traditions as well as the building of the Olu Gbede’s Palace.
