Globacom Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr was amongst the personalities who were singled out for special recognition as the ancient town of Ijebu Ode hosted the age-long Ojude Oba Festival.
The cerebral billioniare who had once described the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona as a father of all, was honoured alongside Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun and former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel during the ” Otunba Day” yesterday.
Adenuga was singled for his sterling contributions to the economic growth and development of Ijebuland, Nigeria and Africa.
Eighteen original artefacts recovered from all over the world were presented and displayed at the Banquet Hall, Awujale Palace, venue of yesterday’ s event.
As it is the norm, thousands of guests had swarmed the town from all over the globe for the 2-day ceremony of music, pomp and pageantry.
Over 50 age groups are billed to pay homage to Oba Adetona in the course of the occasion.
This year’s edition will also feature a raffle draw courtesy of the major sponsor, telecoms giant, Globacom. Many lucky attendees will go home with various prizes, including tricycles and television sets.
In addition, Glo is giving out hefty cash prizes for most colourful and creative groups out of the over 50 age groups (Regberegbe) that will be on parade.
There will also be musical performances featuring the popular Fuji musician, Abass Akande Obesere and pop sensation, Lil’ Kesh will while a pageant has been added to the package to give a tinge of glamour. The winner will become Miss Ojude 2019.
Globacom sponsors the Ojude Oba Festival as part of its socio-responsibility contribution to the society.
The festival is marked on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir in Ijebuland.
Oba Adetona, who has earned a reputation for putting the interest of his kingdom first in all matters, has transformed the annual festival with invaluable contributions from Globacom.
There has been gradual improvement in the past few years since Globacom took over sponsorship of the ancient festival and the compnay has been applauded by visitors and Indigenes for adding colour and panache to the Ojude Oba.
Oba Adetona was enthroned as the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom in 1960 at age 26.
He is now Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch at age 85 after 59 years on the throne.
