By Eric Elezuo and Ruth Akpan
“I am not looking for anything for myself anymore. My prayer is that the next generation of Akure sons and daughters will rise with unity, pride, and purpose to reclaim their place in this state and this nation” – Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi
Fanfare, glamour, razzmatazz, achievements and euphoria embedded the atmosphere, grounding the vibrant Akure Kingdom in Ondo State, to a halt in celebration, as His Imperial Majesty Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure, marked a decade on the throne with a series of events. Akure’s heartbeat, resonating with joy and gratitude, echoed through the streets as dignitaries and community leaders gathered to honour the monarch’s remarkable 10th year reign.
Stepping out in stardom for the church service, which heralded the concluding parts of the week-long activities to say thank you to God for 10 years of guided wisdom, the Deji, in his youthful splendor, undertook a parade through the streets of his kingdom, already lined up with images of the king, ostensibly to connect with the heartbeat of his subjects. Acknowledging cheers and obeisance from the crowd of supporting subjects, the monarch made his way half on foot, and then via his motorcade to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Jesus House, Oke-Ijebu, Akure, where an inspirational service was held.
With an array of dignitaries and community leaders in attendance including Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami; His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife; former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Segun Mimiko; the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin (Ogunoye III); Secretary to Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasaranti; Hon. Oluwafemi Fadairo, Oba Edward Kolawole Adewole, Osolo of Isolo, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola, Iralepo of Isinkan, Managing Director and CEO of Inter Atlas Synergy Limited, who doubled as the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Mr. Femi Meshe, and wife, Mrs. Helenah Adejoke Meshe; President Agape ministry, Bishop Felix Adejumo; Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, Erelu Olajumoke Fadeyi, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, Hon. Ola Adelabu, Chief (Mrs) Seyifunmi Olawunmi, High Chief Sunday Olugbodun, High Chief Ifedayo Sunday Adegbile, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, Chief Kayode Fashua, Chief (Mrs) Titilayo Falowo, High Chief Shola Adegbomire, National Commandant of Man O’ War, Adedamola Gbenga, already seated, Pastor J. K. Olayinka kickstarted the spirit-filled service with a prayer.
As a follow-up, one of the monarch’s sons, Prince Ademola Aladetoyinbo read the Bible passage from Psalms 113:1-9 before Pastor Elijah Ajibade, took the sermon, centering on ‘Give Honour to Whom Honour is Due’, and using Romans 13:7 as a key text.
He cautioned the congregants irrespective of status to give honour to whomever is worth it, adding that the greatest honour one can give God is allowing Him in their hearts, in addition to total obedience.
In his goodwill message after the sermon, the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who was represented by the Regional Pastor, Sunday Akande, lauded the Oba for his continuous positive impact in the growth of the kingdom, and State at large. He also wished the Oba good health and grace to celebrate more anniversaries.
Responding, the Oba thanked the ministers, fellow Obas, indigenes and well-wishers who came to grace the occasion.
“I thank God for life, God has been there for me so far. I thank all ministers and everyone who came here today to celebrate me and this great kingdom. Akure is progressing, getting bigger and bigger everyday,” he said.
He further appreciated the Ooni for his presence, reiterating the superiority of the Ooni over others in Yoruba culture.
“I’m so glad to see my father; the Ooni of Ife here today attending my 10th Coronation Anniversary as Deji of Akure Kingdom. Ooni remains the overall father of the Yoruba race.
“Akure today is bigger and more cosmopolitan than Ile-Ile, but Ile-Ife remains the ancestral home and traditional headquarters for the entire Yoruba race because that’s the kingdom that gave birth to all the kingdoms in Yorubaland,” the Deji noted.
The service was rounded off with prayers for the Oba and his family by the officiating ministers before Rev. Oluyemi Olubiyi said the closing prayer.
Thereafter, the celebrations shifted to the MKO Democracy Park in the heart of Akure town, where a mammoth crowd assembled under and around newly constructed marquees erected to host the Parade and Awards ceremony, chiefly to honour individuals who had made significant contributions to the kingdom’s growth and development.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the anniversary, Mr. Olufemi Meshe, hinted that the day’s event was designed to trace the Deji’s remarkable journey over the past decade and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Akure Kingdom.
The lively atmosphere was palpable as recipients took turns to receive royal blessings and official paraphernalia.
The honourees were Mr. Femi Meshe, Barr. Sylvester Olumuyiwa, Dr. Tolulola Ajibike Bayode, Hon. Mayorkun Lawson, Dr. Taiwo Fasaranti, Hon. Fadairo Oluwafemi, Hon. Oluwatuyi Ezekiel, Olamide Olamisi, Prof. Oladipupo Adamolekun, Prof. Nike Oyinola Osofisan, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe, Mr. Olumide Origunloye and many others, who beamed with joy on at the recognition.
The Deji specially recognised some prominent Akure indigenes, honoring them with community development awards. They included the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan and Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Central), Mr. Femi Fadairo.
The special recognition also extended to Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Abena), Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, Mrs. Omolola Bayode, Mr. Olumide Origunloye, Prof. Daramola Adamolekun and Prof. Adenike Osofisan and Mr. Femi Meshe, who was the brain behind the successful planning and execution of the events.
In his congratulatory speech, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa congratulated the Deji and the entire people of Akure Kingdom on what he described as a momentous occasion. He commended the monarch for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the state over the past ten years.
The Governor praised Oba Aladelusi’s support for successive administrations in the State, describing his reign as peaceful and development-driven.
“Your Imperial Majesty, your reign has been marked by significant achievements, particularly in promoting peace, unity, and cultural preservation. One of the most important things I must acknowledge is the consistent support you have given to the government in power over the last decade to ensure peace and calmness in Akure Kingdom,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions in governance and appreciated Deji’s collaboration with the state government, especially in his capacity as the immediate past Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas.
“Akure, being the state capital and seat of government, has greatly benefited from your visionary leadership. Your collaboration with the state government is legendary and your contributions to governance and community development are invaluable.
“We recognize the importance of Akure and have initiated various developmental projects to align the city with its counterparts across the Southwest. We will continue to prioritize its growth and appeal to all sons and daughters of Akure Kingdom to partner with us in this mission”, Aiyedatiwa added.
The Governor further emphasized his administration’s commitment to the infrastructural and economic development of Akure as the state capital.
As he eulogised the government of Ondo State, his Akure people and the general public during the church service, the Deji rose again in defence of the system, his 10 years in office and his immediate family members. He recalled how he failed a number of times in his quest to become the Deji, noting that God’s time has always been the best.
This is as the melodious voice and sound from Saheed Osupa and his band rented the early evening atmosphere of the Democracy, prompting royalty and led to shuffle energically to the rhythm of gladness
The Dome Event Centre was the next port of call as a regal reception was hosted with pomp and clout, and guests were pampered with sumptuous local and intercontinental delicacies from Danifas Catering as well as choice beverages.
The night came alive with musical entertainment from Mikky Band, anchored by the dynamic duo of Gboyega and Olukemi Adeniyi. The Harmony Trumpeters and some children of the royal performed graciously to the admiration of the audience.
The highpoint of the night was the cutting of the anniversary cake by the Deji, surrounded by his oloris and members of his inner caucus, and supervised by Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, who took a countdown of the of spelling of the word A-k-u-r-e to herald the cake cutting.
The series of activities marking the Oba’s 10 years anniversary celebration was rounded off with a thanksgiving service at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Ijomu Akure, bringing to a close the week-long celebration that would be etched in the memories of Akure indigenes for years to come.
In his homily, the Archbishop of Ondo Diocese, His Grace, Most Senior Reverend Simeon Borokini, advised the Deji and all other leaders on the need to leave a legacy of goodness, desist from oppressing others and serve God in honesty.
The service ended with series of thanksgiving sessions involving all strata of persons in attendance with dances and high-octane euphoria.
Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi was born in 1956, and ascended the throne of his forebears in 2015 at age 58. He is a senior member of the Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers under the chairmanship of the Ooni of Ife.
Photos: Babatunde Bolarinwa
