It was a celebration galore and a display of the rich Yoruba cultural heritage at the coronation ceremony of the Ado-Ekiti Study Centre director, Alhaji Prof. Abdur-Raheem Mustapha Adejoro as the Alafin of Afin-Akoko Community.
The colourful ceremony took place on Saturday, 24th of July 2021, which drew a mammoth crowd representing the entire people of Afin-Akoko Community in Ondo State, a clear indication of the 15-year wait by the people before seeing their new Oba.
In his speech, the new Oba of Afin-Akoko gave thanks to the Almighty Allah for granting him and his family the grace to witness the glorious and historic day in their lives, saying his coronation was destined by Allah and he owes Him all the praises.
Adejoro also expressed his profound gratitude to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for approving his selection as the new Alafin after 15 years without a substantive Oba in Afin-Akoko, following the demise of Oba Dirisu Olohuntegbe in 2006.
He said the governor's assent to his emergence as Oba was an indication of the government's determination to make every community in Ondo State peaceful and progressive.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Mr. Segun Olusanya, the Executive Chairman of Akoko North-west Local Government Council, Elder Samson Ayodele Akande, FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi and other government dignitaries all graced the ceremony.
The Council of Traditional Rulers in Akoko and Royal Fathers in the state were also present to welcome the Alafin to the league of traditional rulers.
The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, was represented by Prof. Samuel Ogunwale Ogundiran, Director, Akure Study Centre and members of staff of Ado-Ekiti Study Centre were also on ground to witness and support one of their own, who just took up the mettle of service to his people.
They include- Mr. Joseph Kolawole (Chief Accountant), Dr. Supo Bamidele (Student Councilor), Mrs. Stella Eneh (Senior Assistant Registrar), Mr. Dayo Ojo, Mr. Oluwabayo Oloyede, Mrs. Grace Fagbami, Mrs. Folake Alake, Mr. Oluwasogo and many others.
Highlight of the royal event was the presentation of the instrument of appointment and Staff of Office by the representative of the governor, which signaled the beginning of the reign of Oba Alhaji Prof. Abdur-Raheem Mustapha Adejoro, Asoroowo II, who was flanked by his wife, Olori Modinat Omolola Mustapha at every point of the ceremony.
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