By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
PROMINENT Nigerians, including first class traditional rulers, notable politicians from the two major political parties, namely the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday converged on the historical town of Ede, in Osun State for the 10th year coronation anniversary of Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal (Laminisa 1).
Though the celebration of the coronation anniversary of the lecturer-turned monarch had been a weeklong activity, Saturday’s event held at the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was the climax of the celebration.
Addressing the crowd that thronged the ceremony, the chairman of the planning committee, Professor Siyan Oyeweso stated that activities, commemorating Timi’s 10th year on Timi’s ancestral throne were significant, considering the steady developmental strides and social economic growth that was being witnessed since Oba Lawal ascended the throne.
He commended prominent Ede sons and daughters, including friends of the ancient city for their invaluable contributions to the growth of the town, adding that they should not relent until Ede attain its pride position among the great and historical cities in Yorubaland.
Prominent traditional rulers, who graced the occasion include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), the Orangun of Oke Ila Orangun, Oba Adedokun Abolarin (Aroyinkeye 1), Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo, Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II,Oba Saheed Elegushi and host of others.
The list of key politicians include the deputy governor of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori, who represented the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, former deputy governor of Osun State and erstwhile chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Honorable Rotimi Makinde, who was honoured with a chieftaincy title, Hon Famurewa, senator Omoware among others.
Nolywood actors and actresses also rally support for Honorable Rotimi Makinde, led by former ANTP Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Ajala Jalingo, Segun Adegbite, Fala Omoboriowo, Seyi Edun, Femi Johnson, Bimbo Akinola, Taiwo Hassan among others.
Reception was well handled by Princess Lanko who was the master of ceremony at the newly installed Bobajiroro of Ede Kingdom house, which is situated at Ife in Osun State, while other dignitaries showcase their talents in solidarity for Honorable Rotimi Makinde and wife.
Music by Fatai Akande Valentine (Akorin Oba) and popular Juju maestro who thrilled the guest who were present at the event.