Arapanata of Itebu-Kunmi, Oba Prof. Olomola celebrates one-year coronation anniversary in grandstyle

Arapanata of Itebu-Kunmi, Oba Prof. Olomola celebrates one-year coronation anniversary in grandstyle

_…President, Yoruba Obas Forum, Oba Samuel Adeoye graced the occasion as Ondo Commissioner for Agric and Forestry, Olayato Aribo flags off Itebu-Kunmi oil palm community project_

Eminent Nigerians, including the representative of the Ondo State Government, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo and the people of Itebu-Kunmi in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State last weekend rolled out the drums to celebrate and honour the kingdom’s traditional ruler, Arapanata of Itebu-Kunmi, HRM Oba Prof. Aderibigbe Olomola, Ikuhinmi 1 and his Olori, HRH Oluyemisi Olomola during the monarch’s one-year coronation anniversary held in the town.

The distinguished Nigerians, on Saturday 16th December, 2023 converged at St. Luke’s Anglican Primary School Field, Itebu-Kunmi in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State to honour Oba Aderibigbe Olomola and his Olori, Oluyemisi, as the monarch marked his first coronation anniversary on the throne.

The monarch and her beautiful Queen, Olori Oluyemisi, received guests in joyful moods during the colourful one-year coronation anniversary ceremony.

The programme started at about 12noon after the arrival of the celebrant alongside some special guests.

The opening prayer was given by Reverend Canon A.P. Ojo, and just immediately, Itebu-Kunmi anthem was rendered, which was directed by Chief Friday Akinsanmi.

In his welcome address, Oba Olomola thanked God for availing him the grace to celebrate one-year coronation anniversary in good health and specially appreciated his illustrious queen for standing by him in all his endeavours.

He vowed to change the narrative of Itebu-Kunmi land as God gives him more power and strength to impact positively in the lives of the community dwellers.

The monarch further appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON for the special honour bestowed on him to enthrone as king after 20 yesrs he had been enthroned as Oloja of the community. He specially thanked the representative of the Ondo State Government, Hon. Olayato Aribo and also thanked all the invited guests who made their appearances at the event and prayed for journey mercy to their respective destinations.

It would be recalled that the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON ably represented by the then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agogun Akinwumi Sowore who presented the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to Oba Olomola in a magnificent, memorable ceremony on Friday 16th December, 2022.

In his speech, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo said Ondo State government is committed to agricultural development, being the easiest way to grow the economy of the country at a geometric level. He stated that Ondo State has recorded high-level of oil palm plantation in the history of the state under the Governor Akeredolu-led administration.

At the event, Elero traditional display was observed, which featured Masquerade exhibition.

Just immediately after the Masquerade display, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo who was accompanied by the celebrant and some special guests came out to flag-off the Itebu-Kunmi Oil Palm Community Project (IOPCP), being facilitated by the kingdom’s monarch, Oba Olomola as part of his development stride to grow up the community.

Some of the special guests who spoke with Coastal Renaissance News and gave goodwill messages about the celebrant were HRM Oba James Obafemi Saliu, Ologere of Ogere Remo, HRH Oba Adeloye Olawole, the Alara of Araromi; HRH Oba Olatunji Fayemi, Onitedo-Elect of Mahintedo;
Hon. Barr. Kolade Akinjo, former House of Representatives, Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Chief Bayo Emuleomo, an illustrious son of Itebu-Kunmi, Prince Alias Matiminu and one of the monarch’s Chiefs.

Other dignitaries who attended the event were HRM Oba Samuel Olumide Adeoye, Edema 1, the Molokun of Atijere, President, Yoruba Obas Forum; HRM Oba James Obafemi Saliu, Ilufemiloye 1, Ologere of Ogere Remo and his Olori; HRH Oba Williams Kalejaye, the Moneyin of Obineyin; HRH Oba Adeloye Olawole, the Alara of Araromi and his Olori; HRH Oba Michael Olugbemi Sewo, the Oloto of Igbisin Oloto land, Mr. Omolade Emuleomo, Comrade Omolere Balogun, Barr. Richard Alomore, Barr. Lawson Akintokun, Mr. Ola Balogun, among other eminent Nigerians across different vocations.

To make the occasion more colourful, royal dance was observed, which featured all the kingdom’s Chiefs. After which chieftaincy certificates were presented by HRM Oba Prof. Aderibigbe Olomola to the kingdom’s chiefs.