By Afolabi Sunday
In a unique appreciation of laudable contributions of prominent sons and daughters of Ikere Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti has highlighted some landmark achievements of his illustrious subjects since his ascension to the thrown as the paramount ruler of Ikere Ekiti eight years ago.
Speaking at this year event of Odun Oba to mark his eight years on the thrown, the monarch said Odun Oba takes a prominent place among other festivals being observed in the town as it marks the harvesting of farm products which is a landmark in the yearly calender of the town.
Speaking further, Oba Adejimi said it is a period also to remember and celebrate the ancestors and heroes of the land who have passed away.
Expressing his gratitude to the Almighty God for his grace and mercy that enabled him to be alive to celebrate this year Odun Oba festival, the Royal father also expressed his appreciation to members of Ogoga- in -Council and the Ikere Traditional Council Members for their support and forthrightness, particularly, Asiwaju Wole Olanipekun, Otunba Sole Adewumi, Bashorun Tunde Ogunsakin, prince Feyi Ogoji and others who have worked tirelessly for the Progress of Ikere Kingdom.
While looking back at the past years as the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi said he has every reason to be grateful to God because every year the town has something new to celebrate.
According to him, “In my first year we celebrated the construction and commissioning of the new and modern Abosede Olanipekun Memorial ward built by Asiwaju Wole Olanipekun for the State Hospital Ikere in memory of his mother. The following year, we commissioned the new Palace Administrative Hall built by Otunba Sola Adewumi and Otun Eyesorun Kemi Adewumi. In the Year 2017, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunlusi Ojaja II honoured us by commissioning the new Hall of Fame built by Bobagunwas of Ikere, Chief Dimeji and Chief Mrs Toyin Isiaka.
In 2018 Bashorun and Yeye Bashorun Tunde and Chinyere Ogunsakin built for Commissioning the new guest house in the palace and also Eyesorun commissioned the T Crown Hotels at Igbo Olori. In 2019, the shakers and movers of Nigeria all came down to Ikere Kingdom for the commissioning of the ultra modern Church at St. Peters Anglican Church Okekere built and furnished by Asiwaju Wole Olanipekun”.
“The following year we commenced the fund raising efforts for the upgrade of the former College of Education to a university.
“In this regard I wish to express our gratitude to Chief Ojuawo the first Pro- Chancellor of the institution who worked with us closely to achieve the objective and at last, in 2021 the old College of Education has become the University of Education Science and Technology” he stated
The event did not go without its glitz, fanfare and glamour as all the subjects, Honourary Chiefs, Traditional chiefs, Omowas, Oloris, quarter chiefs from Agbado Oyo, Ilumoba, Araromi quarters and other prominent sons and daughters of the town paid homage to the King though prayers, dancing and salutations.
The event was richly attended by prominent dignitaries home and abroad among whom are , the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Her Excellency Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, the past former Deputy Governors of Ekiti State, Prof. Olusola Eleka, and Chief Biodun Aluko, His Royal Majesty,the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, the Ata of Ayede Ekiti, former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Housing, Barr. Ayodeji Ajiboye and a host of others.
