EPE News

Oba Ogunlaja Hosts Prominent Members Of Society As Noforija Celebrates Monarch’s 20th Ascension Anniversary

Published

2 years ago

Oct 12, 2022.

Damilare Abass

By Babatunde Kaka

Noforija witnessed an influx of visitors as Oba Ogunlaja hosted prominent members of the society on the 20th anniversary of his ascension.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the 20th anniversary of the ascension of His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, FMBE, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, would be remembered as one of the most exciting events in the kingdom and across the Eredo LCDA, Epe Division, Lagos, and Nigeria.

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The interesting line-up of activities, created by the anniversary committee under the leadership of Otunba TJ Abass and Otunba Damilola Adegbuyi, breathed life into the royal father’s ascension anniversary.

Besides being interesting, the celebration witnessed the presence of the crème de la crème of the society.

Former Lagos First Lady, Lady Doja Otedola; Mother of former Lagos State Governor, Mrs Fashola; the Lagos State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Senator representing Lagos East at the National Assembly, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, Epe Federal Constituency Rep., Hon Wale Raji; and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, were some of the dignitaries to grace the occasion.

Others include Lagos East APC Vice Chairman, Barrister Yinka Oladunjoye, Lagos APC GAC member, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu, APC Chieftain, Chief Bode Oyedele, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Elegushi, Lagos State House of Assembly Member, Hon Oluwaseun Ogunkelu, amongst others.

The attendees also included an assemblage of traditional rulers who honoured the Aladeshonyin under the auspices of the Heritage Forum.

The anniversary committee, which had been inaugurated in February 2022, made the long preparation time count as it planned a one-week-long event that witnessed a plethora of thrilling activities.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the traditional and cultural celebrations during the anniversary events brought back the memories of old to hundreds of spectators and guests through traditional worship of notable Yoruba gods and the Odo-Noforija deities at the Omitu and Aladeshonyin shrines.

Not missing amongst the activities was the display of several energetic, acrobatic and colourful masquerades with acoustic drums and electrifying dances.

The masquerades were not limited to one ethnic group as the celebrations saw the presence of a massive masquerade from Anambra state.

This media platform gathered that the masquerade was brought by the Eze-Ndigbo of Eredo LCDA to celebrate the Aladeshonyin in the most honourable fashion.

During the celebrations, the Aladeshonyin did not leave the crowd to the jubilations as he joined in a display of rare magnificent dance steps and characteristic money-spraying swag.

Not limiting the events to festivities, the anniversary committee planned a Walk for Fitness from the palace to the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) gate, down to Atlantic Hall Junction and back to the Noforija palace. Surprisingly, the Aladeshonyin joined the walk, showing his tenacity and resilience.

The same day, a Novelty Match took place at LASUED Stadium and witnessed the presence of His Royal Majesty as he trekked to lead well-wishers who rolled out the drums to the venue, singing and dancing with an excited crowd which included notable guests such as traditional rulers, some honorary chiefs and residents.

Notably, the Aladeshonyin All Stars trashed the Conference of Community Youths 4-0 in an entertaining and thrilling football contest.

Thereafter, the monarch presented a cash gift of one hundred thousand naira to the winners while the second runners-up received the sum of fifty thousand naira.

Beyond the festivities and sports events, the ascension anniversary planning committee benevolently organised a Free Medical Outreach for members of the community and beyond.

The outreach included Prostate cancer screening, dental check-ups, eye tests, high blood pressure checks, diabetes, and sugar level, amongst others carried out with free drugs and gift packs. Additionally, medical practitioners enlightened the beneficiaries on several health issues.

Earlier, the Noforija Kingdom compendium and anthem were launched.

At the event, Dr Wasiu Odufisan, a Human Resource consultant and University Lecturer, reminded guests about the historical perspectives, customs, norms, values and traditional rules, rites and regulations in Noforija.

The atmosphere became lively as the melodious voice of Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, rented the air. He thrilled guests with sensational musical performances.