By Otunba T J Abass
In a dazzling and deeply rooted celebration filled with age-old traditions and cultural richness, the coronation of Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo of Odo Egiri unfolded, weaving its magic into the very essence of the community, heralding the arrival of a new era.
Aremo of Epe Kingdom, Otunba TJ Abass (Right)
Hon. Ayo Odeyemi, the Chairman of the planning committee for the coronation ceremony of HRM Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo, the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri Kingdom, speaking with reporters
Alhaji Deinde TuwasheThis coronation wasn’t just a regal affair—it was a sound of triumph, echoing through an ancient landscape transitioning from “Baaleship” to “Kingship”, a long-awaited victory dance for Odo Egiri and its people, a testament of a community’s resilience and persistence in their agitation for a change of status.
Even when darkness loomed and hope wavered, the unshaken Odo Egiri residents cast their eyes on their attraction, not on the distractions. When the promise was held up in suspense, they stood rooted in their conviction that one day, the crown would find its way to their territory, and they, too, would level up with neighbouring communities.
Time happened to red coal, and it gave way to silvery ashes; the weather took its toll on the bamboo hut, and it caved in. Yet Odo Egirib beat all the odds, stretched its arms and grabbed the crown.
The presentation of the staff of office by His Excellency Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the debut of Odo’s Egiri’s regal status, followed by the week-long celebrations and festivities. Yet, in the midst of these toasting and tasting, the sons and daughters of the land couldn’t help but wonder: Why did it take Odo-Egiri so long to have the first taste of kingship?
Not even their progenitor could have fathomed the reason.
Still, looking back from his grave, he beams with a salutation to the sons and daughters who fought gallantly to witness such a momentous occasion.
The first-class coronation ceremony was a masterpiece from the brushstrokes of notable sons and daughters of the Odo Egiri who were members of the organizing committee.
Otunba Dehinde Tunwashe and Alhaji Wasiu Odeyemi, two of the men behind the scene of the ceremony, revealed how the sleeves were rolled up, and buckles were unfastened as this event was being pushed from the shadows of ideas to the daylight of reality.
The week-long celebration started on Monday after the completion of the ‘Ipebi’, a traditional rites expected to be done before the coronation.
The ceremony was embedded with various activities that highlighted the socioeconomic and Yoruba traditions prowess, such as educational talks and a quiz competition amongst students in the community on Monday.
On Tuesday, various families, groups, CDAS visited the kabiyesi and prayers were offered. General environmental sanitation were carried out, and a novelty match was played on Wednesday. Thursday was for the laying of the Aladepekun market in the community.
On Friday, chiefs were installed. These are important people who have helped our Odo-Egiri community. Some of them include Iyalode Toyin Alaya, Apagun Pote Shola Omoye Saka, Otunba Mayegun Raheem Taofeek, and Bobaselu. They received prayers and wore traditional beads and a special cap with leaves. The Jumaat prayer followed, and a feast featuring Ikokore and Egusi dishes rounded off the night.
Otunba Dehinde Tunwashe credited the successful outcome of the week-long event to the avowed commitment and resourcefulness of the sons and daughters of the community, as well as friends and well-wishers, a submission echoed by Alhaji Wasiu Odeyemi.
“Looking back, it was worth every effort expended,” Otunba Dehinde concluded.
The Grand Finale
The grand finale of the coronation ceremony arcs across the town like a rainbow, each activity a distinct colour in the palette.
The ceremony bloomed like a well-tendered garden which has enjoyed years of watering. This was not unexpected as it was a product of years of meticulous planning with the infusion of resources of the sons and daughters of the land.
There was a lineup of royal dignitaries extending congratulatory messages and their best wishes to the new monarch.
Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the paramount ruler of Noforija Kingdom, in an interview with Eko Hot Blog, commended the resilience of the residents of Odo Egiri who had to wait this long to witness the first kingship in the ancient town.
The Alara of Ilara Kingdom too, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, welcomed the new monarch to the royal circle with open arms and a sense of cultural solidarity, while Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the former speaker, rejoiced with Kabiyesi and poured a message of goodwill on the throne of Odo Egiri.
Hon Wale Raji, in his speech, pledged the federal presence in this new kingdom, with quality representation and a plethora of changing initiatives that has been his mantra in the Epe Federal Constituency.
In a lively tête-à-tête with Eko Hot Blog, Oba Aladepekun Oba Musiliu Abiola, Oliwo, the freshly crowned king, pledged to dive headfirst into visionary initiatives with transformational projects that will place Odo Egiri on a global pedestal.
The grand event was held at Odo Egiri on the 5th day of November 2023, where thousands of dignitaries, royal guests, and citizens gathered to witness the crowning of their new sovereign. The ceremony was a feast for the eyes, with the palace grounds adorned with resplendent floral arrangements and a myriad of colourful flags and banners.
The ceremony commenced with a majestic procession and recognition of other kings and the people of Odo Egiri, accompanied by ancestral drums and joyful chants from the assembled crowd.
In a sacred ritual that connects the king to his ancestors, the Crown of the Elders was gently placed on Oba Odo Egiri’s head, signifying his official ascendancy to the throne. Oba Odo Egiri took the solemn oath, pledging to uphold the values, customs, and unity of the community.
The king’s impassioned speech conveyed a deep commitment to fostering peace, cultural preservation, and progress within the realm.
Oba Oliwo, the first king, became the Baale in 2000 after the demise of the late Adekoya, who died in the year 2000
The coronation festivities continued with a grand feast featuring a delectable array of traditional dishes, native delicacies, and refreshing palm wine.
The air resonated with the melodies of local musicians and dance troupes as the community celebrated with joy and unity. Salawa Abeni’s timeless music continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming her status as the Queen of Waka with a stellar performance that mesmerised the crowd.
Salawa Abeni showcased her iconic Epe Kayo Kayo performance again, this time at the Odo Egiri coronation, replicating the magic that has solidified her position as the Queen of Waka music.
Alabi Pasuma and Saheed Osupa joined the lineup at the Odo Egiri coronation, delivering electrifying performances of their distinctive Fuji music genres, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.
Ultimately, this event was a click on the reset button of the town. This coronation of the first king is symbolic of a new chapter in the story of this town, something akin to a cosmic boost; the soil of Odo Egiri has just been charged to multiply the harvest, the air charged to breathe new life into dying businesses, the sun beaming down with light and a kind of energy that can shred sickbeds and renew life, the rain to fill every pot and every purse. The throne we have just set up is a home for fortune, and the entire people of Odo Egiri are nodding “yes” to development.
Long live Ogo Egiri!
Long live Oba Musiliu Abiola!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
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