The Oba Who Ordained Chiefs with Anointing Oil

Oba Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola ordaining a chief with anointing oil

For those who are familiar with the awarding of chieftaincy titles by Yoruba traditional rulers to members of the communities they feel deserve them, you will realize that the ceremony is done following distinct traditional patterns. Some kind of special leaves (perhaps with some incantations recited on them) are inserted through the ordination caps worn on their heads.

the usual Yoruba traditional chieftaincy practice

However, on the 25^th of May, 2013, when Oba Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola was celebrating his 10^th year anniversary on the throne in Ikun Akoko, Ondo state and all invited guests, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, politicians, high profile dignitaries, members of communities, and visitors were seated enjoying each segment of the ceremony, the unbelievable and most interesting thing happened. Trust the Press and everyone with a camera and mobile phone; all wanted to catch an ‘uninterrupting’ glimpse of this action. Oba Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola called out the first chieftaincy candidate and firstly, in place of traditional recitation, quoted scriptures and brought out a bottle of anointing oil which he poured on the candidate. This he did to every candidate who was awarded a chieftaincy title.

Would I say the first of its kind?