By Babawale Solomon
Eko Hot Blog reports that the weeklong coronation ceremony of HRM Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo, Gbadewolu I, the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri Kingdom, has culminated in his official crowning as the first king in the history of the kingdom.
The ceremony concluded with a grand finale on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the A.U.D. Primary school, Odo-Egiri, Epe, Lagos State.
The week-long celebration kicked off on Monday, October 30, 2023, after the completion of the ‘Ipebi’, a traditional rite expected to be done before 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 Tuesday, October 31, 2023, various families, groups, CDAS visited the kabiyesi and prayers were offered.
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, General environmental sanitation was carried out and a novelty match was played.
The next day, Thursday, November 2, 2023, witnessed the laying of the Aladepekun market in the community.
On Friday, November 3, 2023, various chiefs, who have positively impacted the Odo-Egiri kingdom, were installed.
Some of them include Iyalode Toyin Alaya, Apagun Pote Shola Omoye Saka, Otunba Mayegun Raheem Taofeek, and Bobaselu.
The chiefs, who were adorned with traditional beads and a special cap with leaves, received prayers and blessings from Oba Oliwo.
The Jumaat prayer followed and a feast featuring Ikokore and Egusi dishes rounded off the night.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, Oba Oliwo was officially crowned the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri, making him the first-ever king of the kingdom.
The monarch, while addressing journalists, talked about the history of how their forefathers moved to Epe, and how the three brothers settled in different places – Noforija, Odomola, and Odo-Egiri. They faced problems, but their father’s advice brought peace to the kingdom.
The king, who was very happy, said, “I want to thank the Lagos state government for recognizing us.
“We’ve waited a long time for a king in this community. What we had before was a ‘Baale,’ but now we have a king. I also want to thank our community for organizing this coronation ceremony. They told me not to worry, and so far, it has been amazing.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of various esteemed monarchs, including HRM Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja and HRM Oba Adeshina Sulaimon, among others.
Additionally, honourable figures and distinguished personalities, such as Hon. Wale Raji, Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji, and Eredo LCDA Chairman, Hon. Monsuru Akinloye, added to the significance of the occasion as they came together to offer their felicitations to Oba Oliwo.
Hon. Akinloye, serving as the chairman of the occasion, delivered a heartfelt speech in which he expressed gratitude to God and the Lagos State government for bestowing Odo-Egiri with a king after many years of being under the rulership of a Baale.
He addressed Oba Oliwo, saying, “Kabiyesi, your final emergence as the Oba-elect of Odo-Egiri kingdom is no doubt an act of God, which translates the wishes of the people and is a testament to your good deeds in your community and the entire LCDA.”
He continued, “It is, therefore, our conviction that your kingship is timely for the overall progress and development of the Odo-Egiri kingdom. We pray that your reign will record peace, tranquility, and rapid progress in the entire kingdom.”
Hon. Akinloye also called for unwavering support for the new king and urged the community members to refrain from actions that may bring disrepute to the king or the kingdom.
The Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, shared his goodwill messages, and the royal fathers took to the floor to dance to the rhythmic beats of gbedu, a Yoruba traditional music, before heading to the area where the Queen of Waka music, Alhaja Salawa Abeni, captivated them with her performance, bringing an enchanting end to this historic day in the annals of Odo-Egiri Kingdom.
Oba Oliwo is a proud descendant of the esteemed Oliwo family from the Aledo ruling house.
His grandfather, Chief Salami Oliwo, held the distinguished positions of the late Baale of Odo-Egiri and the Seriki Adinni of the Pobo Muslim Community until his passing in 1971.
Oba Oliwo, born on November 2, 1948, commenced his primary education at Ansar ud-Deen Primary School in Isolo and completed it at Ansar ud-Deen Itire in 1962. He attained his Modern 3 certificate, equivalent to a J.S.S 3 certificate, and furthered his education at Epe Grammar School for his secondary studies.
Having worked with a clearing and forwarding agency, Oba Oliwo dedicated himself to serving his community.
He is married to four wives – Mrs. Kudirat, Mrs. Wakilat, Mrs. Titilayo, and Mrs. Abosede Oliwo.
In his commitment to youth empowerment and community development, the monarch has facilitated opportunities for local youths in Lagos, fostering their growth for future leadership roles.
Oba Oliwo actively participated in the Amuludun Club, Odo-Egiri, since 1982, eventually assuming the presidency.
After the passing of Chief Amidu Adekoya in 2016, the new king ascended to the position of Baale of Odo-Egiri.
On May 27, 2023, the Lagos State Government bestowed upon him the staff of office, officially recognising him as the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri.
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