….In a kingly statue, Oluloro sets the agenda for inclusive development of Iloro-Ekiti.
PROLOGUE
CORONATION CEREMONY: ILORO CROWNS A NEW KING, 5 YEARS AFTER THE DEMISE OF OBA AROWOLO
The crescendo of the coronation ceremony activities today held, where the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office was presented to Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye (Arojojoye II) as the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti by the government of Ekiti State represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi amongst other top government officials in full glare of citizens and visitors alike.
Pomp and Pageantry was the dictate of the day as Ekiti State Cultural Troupe rendered classic performance, one that befits a royal occasion to kick start the historical event.
In his Welcome Address, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance who is also the Chairman, Coronation Planning Committee, Hon. Dapo Kolawole expressed profound gratitude to Governor Kayode Fayemi led Ekiti State Government, Iloro Progressive Union, Iloro Council of Chiefs and other members of the committee for making the occasion a successful one.
“My appreciation goes to the Government of Ekiti State and Ministry of Chieftancy Affairs for their role in approving the appointment, installation, and presentation of the Instruments of Office to the new monarch of Iloro-Ekiti. This good gesture attests to the fact that the role and importance of Obas in our society can not be overemphasized. They are the unifying agent of mobilization, growth, and development, which would now bring about the needed unity, peace and progress of Iloro-Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole,” he said.
The Honourable Commissioner continued that Iloro-Ekiti as a community prides in hard work, respect and peaceful co-existence which is evident in the process of choosing a new King.
He, however, implored the people of the Iloro community to work in harmony with the new king, exchanging ideas that will further improve the socio-economic and cultural sphere of the town. He also called on stakeholders of the community to support the Five-Pillar Agenda of Dr, John Kayode Fayemi’s Administration for the collective growth and development of Ekiti State.
While presenting the Staff of Office to the new king, Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi charged Arojojoye II of inclusive governance. He also advised him to practice a transparent yet accountable governing system, one that will position Iloro-Ekiti for economic exploits.
He also advised members of the community including the Council of Chiefs, Iloro Progressive Union, Youth Forum and other stakeholders to work assiduously for the collective growth of Iloro-Ekiti. He also mentioned that the government’s gesture towards the installation of Oluloro is an indication that the Pillar One (Governance) of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration is yielding good results in the State.
“As a government, we have the mandate to deliver the dividends of Democracy to the people of the State. We are charged with the responsibility of distinguishing Ekiti State for good governance and this is evident in today’s historical event. We want to ensure the benefit of good governance is felt at every level. Therefore, our decision to ensure Iloro-Ekiti gains her rightful place among the committee of communities in Ekiti State.
“It is with great pleasure, ably representing the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, that I present to Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye (Arojojoye II, the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti) the Instruments of Appointment and Staff of Office. This is an indication of a new beginning in the community, one that will bring good fortune to the people,” he said.
In his Acceptance Speech, HRM Oba James Olugbesoye pledged to the people of Iloro-Ekiti, undying loyalty and genuine commitment to the growth and development of the State.
“This historic occasion is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Our responsibility from now on is daunting but I am confident that with the wisdom of God Almighty, and the support of my people, we shall succeed in this life mission of building upon the legacy of my predecessors.
“The Oba remains the channel through which the powers of the ancestors continue to guide and protect the kingdom and its people. To that extent, we shall faithfully discharge this sacred responsibility. We shall pay due attention to all matters of custom and tradition. We shall focus on the real issues of security of our community and the welfare of our people. We shall carry out reforms in the Palace administration in order to be adequately responsive to our people, striving to ensure that conflicts are resolved between individuals, families, and communities amicably. We shall use cultural diplomacy as a veritable tool for the promotion of harmonious relationships among our people and with our neighbours, and we shall forge links with other traditional institutions in the State,” he said.
The Arojojoye II expressed his gratitude to Ekiti State government for showing trust and faith in Iloro-Ekiti, while also thanking the Hon. Dapo Kolawole for Chairing the Committee that organized a historical yet colourful Coronation Ceremony.
The Regent of Iloro-Ekiti, High Chief Olusola Alofe (Eesaro) assured the new king of the continuous healthy working relationships among stakeholders of the community to ensure his reign is peaceful and successful.
He also appreciated the positive impacts of the State Government in Iloro-Ekiti through effective and inclusive policies designed by His Excellency, Governor Kayode Fayemi. He also appealed to the new king to ensure new strategies are deployed to channel the dividends of democracy at the State to the community.
National President, Iloro Progressive Union, Chief ‘Daralegbe Ogunmola (JP); also eulogized with the new king, stating that his reign will project the community for new opportunities. He also urged the people of the community to shun disruptive vices, while advising the youths to be innovative in a bid to move Iloro-Ekiti forward.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Obas, HRM Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Alawe of Ilawe; described the event as a welcome development, adding that the Council of Obas will support Iloro-Ekiti and the new king in relevant areas when needed. He acknowledged the importance of traditional rulers in the socio-economic development of the State, saying that Obas are not only custodians of customs and traditions but also promoters of peace at the grassroots for a smooth running of governance in the State.
HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole (JP), Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom encouraged the new monarch to run an inclusive government in the community. He said this will ensure the peaceful reign of the king. He also advised the Queen, Olori Lucia Olugbesoye to show a leading example of what womanhood is all about, charging her to ensure younger women and girls in the community remain, custodians of respect, care and affection in their various homes.
PT1 EKSG Presents Staff of Office to Oluloro, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye
Pt2 EKSG Presents Staff of Office to Oluloro, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye
Pt3 EKSG Presents staff & Certificate….
PRE-CORONATION EVENTS
INTER-SCHOOL FOOTBALL COMPETITION
In the cause of the event, Awards and Cash Prizes were presented to various Winners of the Inter-School Football Competition, an event organized to commemorate the Coronation Ceremony.
Ayetoro/Iloro High School (coached by Mr. Alabi K.M.) were the Winners of the major trophy with a cash prize of N100, 000.00; Runner Up (Ijurin Comprehensive High School) coached by Mr. Edward Olajide received a trophy and a cash prize of N50, 000.00; Second Runner Up (Iloro Comprehensive High School) coached by Mr. Liasu O.K. were awarded a sum of N25, 000.00; and Fourth place winners (the African Church Grammar School, coached by Mr. Sunkanmi Ayorinde, also received a sum of N15,000.00.
INTER-SCHOOL CULTURAL EXPOSITION
Winners were also announced for the Inter-School Cultural Exposition. 1st Prize includes a sum of N100, 000.00; Second Prize N50, 000.00; Third Prize N25,000.00; and Fourth Prize N15,000.00 respectively. Schools involved include; Ayetoro/Iloro Comprehensive High School, Iloro Community High School, Ipoti High School, and Ijurin Comprehensive High School.
Coronation: Chairman Central Planning Committee (Hon Dapo Kolawole addresses the occasion).
EKSG Presents Staff of Office to Oluloro, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye
POST CORONATION EVENTS:
ROUND TABLE DINNER WITH HRM OBA OLUGBESOYE OLUFEMI
At the end of the ceremony, a Round Table Dinner with HRM Oba Olugbesoye Olufemi held at the Iloro Ekiti Town Hall to discuss the Agenda Setting for Inclusive Development of Iloro Ekiti.
Issues discussed include topics such as; ‘Curbing Social Vices among the Youth’ discussed by Barr. Samuel Falade Esq. NBA Chairman, Ado LGA; ‘Promoting a Sustainable Enterprise Development’ delivered by DG, Ekiti State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), Otunba Kayode Fasae; ‘The Role of ICT in Economic Development’ by Dr. Hakeem Bakare, DG, Information Communication and Technology, Ekiti State; ‘Harnessing Opportunities in Commercial Agripreneurship for Sustainable Economic Development’ delivered by Mr. Sanya Fabiyi, President, Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD) & Secretary, YCAD Board of Trustee.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
On Sunday, December 22, 2019, a Thanksgiving Service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rehoboth Zonal Parish, Iloro-Ekiti to appreciate God for a successful Coronation Ceremony and to usher in a new reign of the monarch with prayers.
BRIEF HISTORY OF OBA JAMES OLUWAFEMI OLUGBESOYE (AROJOJOYE II, OLULORO OF ILORO-EKITI)
Born into the famous Arojojoye Ruling House of Aafin Quarters in Iloro-Ekiti by the family of Prince Michael Adunola Olugbesoye and his wife, Olori Abigail Ajisafe Olugbesoye, His Royal Majesty, Oba James Oluwafemi Olugbesoye was birthed on the 27th of July, 1963. He is a successful Electrical Contracting businessman who has impacted the power industry for many years. The new monarch is known to be a royal personage, elegant and stately in carriage and comportment.
Dignitaries present at the Coronation include; Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; Deputy Speaker,……..; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Head of Service, Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Biodun Omoleye; Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Obas, HRM Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Alawe of Ilawe; HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, JP. Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom; HRM Queen Lucia Olugbesoye; Chairman Coronation Planning Committee & Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Dapo Kolawole; Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adeniyi Familoni Esq; Ijero LGA Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Dada; Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly; Royal Fathers from across the State, amongst others.
AN ADDRESS TITLED “PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT” DELIVERED BY OTUNBA KAYODE FASAE, DIRECTOR GENERAL, MICROFINANCE & ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (MEDA) AT THE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION / CORONATION CEREMONY.
