A Homecoming Of Honour For A Son Of The Soil: Remo Youth Association (RYA) General Secretary Elect, Comrade Saliu Olamide Daniel Owoseni (Genesis), Pays Courtesy Visit To The Palace Of The Onijoku Of Ijoku Land
By Oludare Joshua
In a significant display of reverence for tradition and commitment to youth-community synergy, Comrade Saliu Olamide Daniel Owoseni, popularly known as Genesis, the newly elected General Secretary of the Remo Youth Association (RYA), today paid a courtesy and familiarization visit to the Royal Palace of the Onijoku of Ijoku Land.
The visit, which took place on Monday, April 4th, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in bridging the gap between the traditional institution and the youth leadership of the community. Genesis, a proud son of Ijoku soil, was accompanied by the Ijoku Community Youth President, Comrade Apelogun Lukman, and the President of the Association of Sabo Sagamu Youth Leaders (ASSYL), Comrade Oluwafemi Osho, among other distinguished youth leaders
The delegation was warmly received by His Royal Highness, Oba Jibodu Kalejaiye, the Onijoku of Ijoku Land, alongside the revered Onijoku in Council. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect, solidarity, and shared vision for the advancement of the youth and the community at large.
Comrade Apelogun Lukman, in his address, thanked the Royal Monarch for the warm reception and chronicled the transparent and credible electoral process that culminated in Genesis’s resounding victory. He noted that the triumph was a collective one for the entire Ijoku community, made possible by the blessings of the traditional council and the solidarity of Remo youths. He commended Genesis for his remarkable contributions, unwavering commitment, and prudent efforts in youth development, formally presenting him to the Royal Monarch.
Speaking with profound respect, Comrade Genesis expressed deep appreciation to the Royal Monarch and the entire Council for their royal endorsement, blessings, and unwavering support, which he credited as instrumental in his emergence as the RYA General Secretary. He emphasized that the purpose of the visit transcended mere formality, it was a homecoming, a gesture of gratitude, and a strategic move to forge a strong partnership, prudent collaboration, and enduring synergy between the traditional council and the youth of the community.
”I stand before you today not just as an elected officer, but as a product of this palace, a son of this soil, returning home to seek your continued guidance, support, blessings and partnership,” Genesis remarked.
In a deeply moving revelation, Genesis disclosed his intimate connection to the royal household, identifying himself as a bonafide son of Ijoku Land from the Ulase (Lubamisan) lineage. He narrated that his late father, Chief Saliu Owoseni Dauda, served as the Oloritun (Eni-Itan 1) of Ijoku Land before his passing, and that he was born, raised, and trained within the hallowed walls of the palace.
Comrade Oluwafemi Osho, President of ASSYL, lauded Genesis as a respectable, reliable, and dependable youth leader, eminently capable of discharging the duties of the RYA General Secretary. He called on the traditional council and the entire Ijoku youth population to rally behind their bonafide son as he embarks on his tenure. He also reflected on the RYA 2026 elections, describing them as a testament to the legitimacy, transparency, and credibility that youth-led processes can bring to Nigerian democracy, urging every young person to recognize their value in reshaping the nation’s narrative for the better.
In his response, Oba Jibodu Kalejaiye welcomed the congregation with warmth and paternal affection. He commended the triumphant efforts and lasting contributions of Comrade Genesis’s late father, Chief Saliu Owoseni Dauda, describing him as a rare gem and an iconic figure whose presence would continue to be deeply missed in the palace. He charged Genesis to emulate his father’s goodwill, uphold his pristine legacy, and champion causes that would add value and contribute significantly to the advancement of the community and its youth.
”The door of this palace is unlocked and fully open to you, the youth, at any time you need the support of the throne,” Oba Kalejaiye declared, urging the young leaders to see themselves as one, support one another for greatness, and join hands in driving developmental opportunities to Ijoku, Sagamu, and Remo Land at large.
In his concluding remarks, Kabiesi wished Comrade Genesis a highly successful tenure in his new role and bestowed royal blessings upon him and the entire congregation.
The historic meeting was graced by a distinguished assembly of personalities, including Comrade Genesis’s mother, Deaconess (Mrs.) G.A. Saliu; Comrade Bidemi Solarin, RYA Chairman; Comrade Ogundein Babatope, RYA Organizing Secretary; and the executive leadership of ASSYL. Also present were Comrade Razaq Mohammed (Olowo), President of Ogededuu Youth Development Association, alongside many other respected youths, dignitaries, and community leaders.
The visit marks a promising step toward deeper collaboration between youth leadership and traditional authority, reinforcing a shared vision for sustainable growth and unity in Ijoku Land and beyond.
