Ondo Monarch to Confer Chieftaincy Title on Oyo State Governor
Ondo Kingdom’s revered monarch, Oba Victor Kiladejo, is set to celebrate his 70th birthday and 17th coronation anniversary in grand style. The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom will host distinguished guests, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several National Assembly members on Saturday for this momentous occasion.
The statement was issued by Chief Steve Akinretoye, the chairman of the anniversary planning committee, and it reveals that the Ondo monarch will also bestow the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Jagunmolu of Ondo Kingdom” upon Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accompanied by his deputy, Senator Jibrin Barau, will lead a delegation of over 30 serving senators and their spouses to Ondo for the celebratory event.
In addition to the political figures, prominent personalities from various fields are expected to attend, including legal icon Chief Afe Babalola, Chief Adebutu Kensington, and Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, among others, as special guests of honor.
The event is set to be graced by the presence of distinguished traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; and several other monarchs from Yoruba land.
Local monarchs from Ondo State, such as the Deji of Akure and the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, will also honor the Osemawe with their presence.
On Friday, November 9, 2023, Governor Seyi Makinde is scheduled to deliver the anniversary lecture and unveil the compendium brochure at the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre.
Further celebrations include the conferment of chieftaincy titles on notable Nigerians. On Thursday, November 9, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, representing Osun Central, will be installed as the Gbofinro of Ondo Kingdom. Dr. Biola Makinde, House of Representatives member for Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, will receive the title of Atunluse of Ondo Kingdom, while the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Olamide Oladiji, will be installed as the Baamoye. Renowned professor of history, Prof. Toyin Falola, will be honored with the title of Bobapitan.
The celebrations will culminate with a thanksgiving service on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, Oke Aluko, Ondo City. To top it all off, juju music maestro King Sunny Ade will grace the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre in Ondo City, where guests will be treated to a memorable banquet dinner as part of the grand finale, marking the Osemawe’s birthday festivities.