Fireworks As Ooni Of Ife Storms Ilara Kingdom In Historic Visit To Epe

By Babatunde Kaka & Ronny Ikpoto

The ancestral kingdom of Ilara, in Epe Division, yesterday, May 14, 2021, went haywire following the visit of the apex Monarch in all of Yoruba land, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, to commemorate this year’s edition of the Ebi Festival.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Ooni’s visit is not unconnected to the historical bond between Ilara Kingdom and the ancestral origin of the Yoruba Nation.

The excitement of guests waiting to receive the monarch was second to none as the convivial atmosphere which ushered in his arrival was greeted with cheers, dance, acrobatics and folk songs.

Notable personalities who graced the occasion include; Hon Wale Raji MHR, Epe Federal Constituency, Hon Adeniyi Saliu, Eredo LCDA Chairman, Alhaji W Taiwo, Eredo LCDA V,ice-Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Odeyemi, APC Stalwart, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, Lagos State APC Welfare Secretary, Prince Segun Osifeko, Group Managing Director, Procare Hotels and Suites, Prince Charles Keshinro, Odofin of Kingdom amongst others.

In his welcome address, the Alara of Illara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, on behalf of the Alara-in-Council, the Queen of Illara Kingdom and the Baales in Council, thanked Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi for honouring the Kingdom with his historic visit.

Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo recalled that before his ascension to the throne, he and Oonirisha have enjoyed many years of quality friendship. He further went down memory lane to recount how the Ooni has stood by him on countless occasions during times of adversity.

“For those that are students of history, there’s a long-standing relationship between the Ilara Kingdom and our cradle, Ile-Ife. He’s my brother and I’m also his brother and the almighty God has brought him here today to make history. I will never personally forget this for the rest of my life, for coming to honour us,” he stated.

Alara stated that Oba Ogunwusi’s visit was an assurance that God is on the side of the people irrespective of the political and economic crises bedevilling the Nation such as insecurity, secession, devolution of powers, ethnic jingoism, and many others.

Speaking in his address on behalf of the good people of Eredo, the Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Hon Adeniyi Saliu, also hailed the Arole Oodua for visiting Eredo LCDA. He described the visit as historic in a few ways, stating that it was the first time the Oonirisha visited anywhere in Epe Division. He also noted that Alara was the first to play host to any Oonirisha.

READ ALSO: Popular Ebi Festival To Hold In Ilara, Epe Division Of Lagos State On May 15

Hon Saliu further emphasized on the need to integrate the Yoruba Nation for peace and cohesion, while noting that the Ooni of Ife had further exemplified the relevance of the Alara’s throne through his visit.

“We want to commend and thank you for the friendship without Kabiesi, it is going to promote development in Ilara and we beg you for that. Your visit alone will give us the leverage to begin to talk to anyone. Of course, land is the bargaining chip that we have and Kabiesi (Alara) has effectively used that. So we’re looking to the future where we’re going to have another massive resort in Epe and Eredo particularly.”

Earlier, before the vote of thanks rendered by the Olori of Ilara Kingdom, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo and Prince Segun Osifeko on behalf of the good people of Ilara Kingdom, the Oonirisha, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, presented Alara with an aesthetic work of art to the delight and applause of the gathering.

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