By Gbenga Sodeinde
It was indeed glamorous and all pump on Saturday 23, April 2022 at Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti South-West Local government of Ekiti state when sons and daughters of the town, people from far and near gathered at Corpus Christi College open field, ilawe Ekiti to Celebrate the 10th Coronation Anniversary of their Monarch, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, the Afuntade 11.
The event which was presided over by Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye equally featured the launch of the Community’s N300million Plantain/Banana Processing Company and the unveiling of the monarch’s book
Prominent among high personalities present were the the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC ), for the coming June 18th election in the state, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji otherwise known as BAO, the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers in the state, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adeuwon, the Onisan of Ishan, Reps. Member, Hon. Olusola Fatoba.
It was an occasion where array of highly placed personalities, and successful sons and daughters as well as others from outside were honoured with Chieftaincy titles in view of their contributions to the society at large.
Ealier in the morning at the Alawe’s palace, Mr. Femi Falana and six other prominent indigenes have been given with honorary awards, for their contributions to the town.
Others who were honoured with Chieftaincy titles are: Major Gen. Adeyemi Adetayo, Barr. Olu Daramola SAN, Barr. Dele Adesina SAN, Prof. Ifedayo Akomolede, and Madam Ibiyemi Asaolu while Late Barr. Bunmi Olugbade bagged a post humous honour.
Others honoured with Chieftaincy titles at the palace are: Mr Olabode Olatunde, Prof Olabode Asubiojo, Mrs. Bukola Asubiojo, Mrs Tosin Alabi, Mrs Mary Olanike Bello, Alhaji Olaniyan and Alhaja Adejoke Olaniyan.
In his speech at the anniversary, The cthairman of the Planning Committee, Captain Kunle Olayinwola pointed out that
“within a decade on the throne, Kabiyesi assumed the Chairmanship of Ekiti State Council of the Traditional Rulers, a position he occupied for two years from August 2019 to July 2021.
“He performed creditably to the envy of his colleagues who had occupied such exalted positions in the past. Since then, Kabiyesi has been at the forefront among the traditional leaders that have international recognition in Ekiti and Nigeria”.
The Chairman who said time would not permit him to start listing the numerous achievements and developments he has attracted to the town, he expressed appreciation to Alawe on behalf of the Sons and Daughters of Ilawe Ekiti.
The Alawe in his own speech, expressed appreciation to the Governor Kayode Fayemi for the opportunity given to him, pointing out, “without mincing words, I want to repeat that, my becoming the Chairman of Traditional Rulers remains a landmark achievements in the past ten years of my reign”.
The Monarch equally extended his gratitude to Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Oguwusi, Ojaja 11, and other Royal Fathers present at the occasion for honoring him with their presence and particularly for their supports for him during his tenure as Chairman of Obas in the State.
Alawe however singled Ooni out for special appreciation for always supporting him and standing by him, “His Imperial Majesty has been in Ekiti several times in the past three years.
“He was a strong pillar behind the peace that prevailed when few Obas went to court over my appointment as the Chairman of Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers in 2019.
“I can say categorically that his knowledge of history and his ability to employ native sagacity to provide good leadership helped in no small way to douse the tension”
Remembering the past heroes that struggled for Ilawe freedom, Oba Ajibade Alabi mentioned the role of Oba Afunbookin Ademileka, the 15th Alawe, who was taken to exile in Abeokuta in 1925 where he died in 1929.
He also remembered Oba Akinola Adefolalu who succeeded Oba Afubiokin Ademileka how he eventually suffered humiliation and incarceration in his struggle to assert the autonomy and freedom of Ilawe.
The Monarch, however, vowed that no matter the vicissitudes, “I will continue to do everything within my powers to ensure that the gains made by these past rulers are preserved and not eroded under any circumstance.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, who applauded Alawe for his brilliancy, his leadership qualities, retorted that when he took the floor at any of the meetings of the Traditional Rulers when he was the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers, everybody usually focused on him patiently because his wisdom.
He equally commended Alawe for ushering development in Ilawe Ekiti in the last one decade, he urged residents “to come together and work for the progress of this town, Ekiti State and Nigeria
Governor Fayemi lauded Alawe for combining royalty with intellectualism. He said the Banana Industry initiated by the community would help in processing agricultural produce in the state to finished products and boost the economy at the local level.
He assured the community of his administration’s commitment towards ensuring continuous developmental projects, and promising more supports and Government’s presence in the town.
The high point of the event was the cutting of cake of the anniversary, launching of N3000 million Banana Processing Industry, and the unveiling by Governor Fayemi and Ooni of Ife, the book written by the Monarch, titled : Divine Enthronement: the Auto biographical reflections on the life of Monarch.
Another interesting part of the event was when the convoy of the APC governorship candidate appeared in the crowd, and instantly, the whole place was electrified and everybody stood up wanting to catch the glimpse of their ‘awaiting Governor’, the event turned political cannival at that moment as people started, echoing, BAO, the Gov. BAO!, BAO! BAO!!
Prominent among the Planning Committee Members are Hon. Yemi Adaramodu, Member, House of Representatives and a son of the soil who was seen practically leaving no stone unturned to be sure that the occasion was well managed according to their arrangements, and also making sure that all the dignitaries were properly attended to.
The three media personalities, HighChief Ajibade Olubunmi, Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle, and Chief Gbenga Agbonna were also busy running up and down to ensure that the arrangements put in place were not misplaced as they were seen directing, moderating and coordinating all throughout.
Captain Olayinwola and Local Government Chairman, Richard Apolola were seen fully in charge as they never sat down comfortably in a place but busy moving up and down to ensure, safety, security, and success of the program.
The occasion was indeed glamorous and all successful Sons and Daughters of the town, in various high positions in the country and the big wigs politians were all present with their friends and colleagues to celebrate the Monarch.