As Deji of Akure Kingdom Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Odundun II enters the weeklong eventful Oyemekun Day 2017 this week, the ancient city of Akure, the Ondo State capital, will play host to very many great Nigerians who will come from Abuja, Kogi and across South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The Deji of Akure is the man who was successful United States based industrialist until he returned home to ascend the exhalted throne of his forefathers and who has made Akure Division as we well as the entire Ondo State monarchism greater than he met it since his emergence.
Ondo State currently is proudly one most peaceful state in Nigeria second to Sokoto State and this is creditable to the collaboration that the state government has achieved with the Deji of Akure in bringing security and good moral preaching closer to the grassroots.
The celebration of this year’s Oyemekun Day by the Deji of Akure is therefore a celebration of good leadership and peace.
According to a statement issued in Akure on Tuesday by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deji of Akure, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER, the event will witness installation of immediate past Commandant of the Nigerian Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade, as the Balogun of Akure Kingdom.
The event will also be filled with special jumat service to be led by Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh Abdul-Hakeem Akorede, at Akure Central Mosque beginning from 1.00pm Friday November 10, while Church service rounding off the event will take place on Sunday November 12.
The statement said, “The Deji of Akure Kingdom Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II will on Saturday 11th November, 2017 install the immediate past Commandant of the Nigeria Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade as the Balogun of Akure Kingdom. The installation which is part of the activities scheduled for the Oyemekun festival 2017 will hold at the Ojukoto’s court of the Deji’s Palace at 10:00am.”
It said, “Details of the other activities of the Oyemekun festival 2017 includes; Prayer service at Akure City Hall on Wednesday 8th, 2017 at Akure City Hall by 10:00am
“Public Lecture to be delivered by Prof. Kole Omotoso on 8th November, 2017 at Akure City Hall by 2:00pm
“Cultural Day will hold at the Ua Lila’s court of the Deji’s Palace on Thursday 11th November, 2017.
“Jumat service at the Akure central Mosque by 1:00pm and a football match later by 3:00pm at the Akure Sports stadium on Friday 10th November, 2017
“Akure carnival Day will hold on Saturday 11th November, 2017 by 11:00am at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure.
“The festival will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption Court, opposite Akure South Local Government Headquarters, Akure by 10:00am.
“The Saturday event will be chaired by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II while the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III CFR will be the Royal father of the Day. Other expected Royal fathers include the Osemawe of Ondo, Ewi of Ado, Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Alhaji Abdul-Mumini Adebayo Orisagbemi, Olukare of Ikare, Abodi of Ikale amongst others.”
The Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN is expected as the Special Guest of Honor.
Other dignitaries expected includes a former Governor of old Ondo State, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd), the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), amongst others.
