..Sets to build a new Palace
By Editor
The unity and cohesion of Ipoti Ekiti people in Irede LCDA was on display yesterday as all roads led to the Palace Square of the Royal Father of the town, HRM Oba Oladipupo James Kolade M.Sc, FNIQS, AACE, the Olupoti of Ipoti land at the 27th edition of Ipoti Day.
This is, as Ipoti sons and daughters in trending fashion attires and special uniforms, defied the current economic downturn to give a befitting lavish get together for fatherland amidst loud pomp and celebration.
The carnival event started with the arrival of the host, the Olupoti flanked with his two Oloris to the Palace arcade signifying the commencement of the day’s celebration.
The colourful event did not give room for a dull moment as a set of entertainers including cultural groups lively up the occasion.
The Chairman, Ipoti Community Development Association, Prof M.O.A Oladipupo in his opening speech thanked the Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what his timely intervention early in the year over what he described as ‘offensive odour-emitting insects’ which invaded the community.
While pledging the community’s continual support for the Governor Oyebanji-led administration he reminded the government about the poor state of electricity supply in the community and water supply.
Oba James Kolade in a separate chat with our correspondent expressed his heartfelt joy to the people of the community for their support and solidarity since he mounted the throne of his forefathers.
His words; “I will first of all thank God for the opportunity to witness another Ipoti Day with my people. I pray that God will continue to bless the Day and my people. It has been a great improvement every year. That shows the solidarity people are giving me. There’s one slogan used by Ipoti people-OHUN KAN, that is ‘One Voice’ which is what you are seeing here today. Like the “Ale Erebe’ this is a replica of the ale Erebe’and it symbolises a day which unites us. So I thank God and I will implore my people to continue rallyng round me and also the community because an adage says a tree does not make a forest, so also the king of a community cannot do it alone without the support of the people and this is one thing I cherish in my people at home and abroad for always suppoting me” he said.
The highpoint of the grand event came with the concernment of chieftaincy titles on four distinguished individuals based on their record impactful efforts to the community and humanity.
Leading the park is Sen. Yemi Adaramodu the Senator representing Ekiti South and spokesperson of the Nigerian Senate. He was conferred with the Bashorun Asoludero of Ipotiland.
The Senator who was represented by his wife and the new Yeye Asoludero of Ipotiland Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Josephine Adaramodu donated an initial N1million with a pledge to be actively involved in the new Palace project.
Other awardees included Otunba Okunlola Omoniyi the new Akorewale of Ipotiland and his wife Mrs Olayemi Yetunde Okunlola as Yeye Akorewale of Ipotiland.
Dr. Adenike Arike Fadipe the new Yeye Mowe of Ipotiland and Alhaji Gilani Taiwo Hussain as the Bashorun Akorewolu of Ipotiland.
The Chairman of the occasion who doubles as the chief launcher, Prince Ayodele Adeleke announced a donation of initial N1million while his friends supported him with additional N500,000. His gesture opened a floodgate of donations to the palace project.
Dignitaries at the 27th Ipoti Day celebration include: the Chairman Irede LCDA Hon Ayo Awe, representative of Ajero, the Onigogo, Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle ably represented, Barr. Owoseni Ajayi, Otunba Banji Adetola, amongst others
