By: Oluwatosin Adesola
……Two Akoko Towns honour Samuel Ilesanmi Alade with two Chieftaincy titles.
Akokoland in Ondo state standstill for an APC Chieftain,Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade (Rtd) when he was installed as Ajagugboye of Afa-Okeagbe Akoko and Aare Ataiyese of Oyin Akoko in Akoko Northwest local government area.
People from all walks of life rolled out drums to celebrate with top retired military officer who is also an APC Senatorial Aspirant for Ondo North senatorial district.
Among top dignitaries who witnessed the colourful ceremony were the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale and traditional rulers from Akokoland.
Chief Alade popularly known as ‘SIA’ by his admirers, is also the Balogun of Akure Kingdom and former Commandant of National Defence College, Abuja.
Speaking, Akeredolu described the two honours coming from immediate communities of Chief Alade as well-deserved and recognition of competent indigene of the state.
Responding to the installation ceremonies held last Friday and Saturday, Chief S.I. Alade, who expressed joy over the two chieftaincy titles, said the honours would spur him to do more for the communities, Akoko and Ondo State at large.
The APC Senatorial Hopeful also expressed appreciation to those who attended the events as a mark of respect and love for him.
“Thanks for the overwhelming response and support given to 2021 Oyin Day Celebration before, during and after the Day and my recent installation ceremonies.
“Your presence, cash donation and prayers made a great difference and added colour to the occasions all the way from Okeagbe on 26 November to Oyin on 27 November 2021 for the Oyin Day Grand Finale.
“I am very happy and on behalf of the entire Oyin community, I hereby offer my sincere gratitude to you all. The Lord that watched over us throughout the events shall bless all of you in Jesus Name. Amen. My utmost respect always please,” Rear Admiral Alade said.
AFA OKEAGBE CELEBRATES MONARCH IN
There was a jubilation at Afa Okeagbe Akoko in Ondo State as the Ajana Afa Okeagbe, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana conferred Chieftaincy titles on some sons and daughters of the community for their development services to the town.
The ceremony which happened at the Ajana palace also marked part of the activities of the 30th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Oladunjoye Fajana.
Speaking shortly before the conferment, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana said: “What you have seen today is the installation of four traditional Chiefs and ten honourary chiefs. By far the largest number of chiefs installed in a single day since my ascension to this revered throne.
The royal father also added: “Today has brought so much joy to my heart because I have the unique opportunity to honour some highly decorated individuals and leaders in society.
“Not only that, we filled some traditional Chieftaincy stools that have been vacant for close to 100 years which means that even I have not lived to see some of these traditional seats filled,” he said.
Oba Oladunjoye Fajana however charged all the new Chiefs that if they look round, they would find that Okeagbe is still lacking in many resources and development saying that chieftaincy in this community is not something for sale nor is it something for bragging rights.
“Here, it is a call to action. A commitment to do even more than has already been done. Okeagbe is a community that has developed mainly due to self-invested capital. We are a proud people, with a storied history and strong cultural awareness. That’s what makes us unique here in Okeagbe.
“Special appreciation goes to the Oba Ajana Afa and Chiefs in Council. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my dear Otunba, Asiwaju Ayo Oladunni, Chief Ologotun Igase, Chief Adewunmi and all other chiefs here at home working day in day out to make sure this palace functions properly.
“I would also love to appreciate the HRMAjana30 Planning Committee ably led by Omoloofin Adimula Soga Sofolahan – Atibioke, Prince Foluso Arasanyin and my boy Prince Niyi Fajana for putting on what has been a world-class event thus far,” he noted.
Oba Oladunjoye Fajana called on the people of the community to remain United saying “we all know that no meaningful development can be achieved without peace and unity.
“As Kabiyesi, I believe in the peace and unity of Afa during my reign since it is through peace and unity that we can achieve the desired progress and development,” he added.
