Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jibrin Barau, are expected to lead at least 30 serving senators and their wives to Ondo for the celebration of the 70th birthday and 17th year coronation anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo Jilo III, the Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom on November 11.
This is contained in the programme of events packaged by the Osemawe in Council, according to a statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the birthday and anniversary, Chief Steve Akinretoye.
In the statement, Akinretoye explained that many governors would also attend the double celebration.
It added that legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN); foremost industrialist, Chief Adebutu Keshington, and the Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, among others, would be the special guests of honour at the event.
Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; the Elegushi of Ikate land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III); the Oniru of Iru land, and other prominent monarchs across Yoruba land, would also grace the occasion.
The Deji of Akure, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, and other monarchs in Ondo State are also expected to honour the Osemawe with their presence on that day.
A thanksgiving service will hold on Saturday, November 11 – the actual birthday of the monarch – at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, Oke Aluko, Ondo, at 10 a.m.
Ace juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, will be on stage at the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre in Ondo to thrill guests at the grand finale, the banquet/dinner birthday of the Osemawe.
The birthday and coronation anniversary is expected to feature the installation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the Jagunmolu of Ondo Kingdom tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Osemawe Palace.
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Before his installation, Makinde is expected to deliver the anniversary lecture and the unveiling of the Compendium Brochure at the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre by 11 a.m.
Many other prominent Nigerians expected to receive chieftaincy titles as from today at the Osemawe Palace are: the senator representing Osun Central, Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi, who would be installed the Gbofinro of Ondo Kingdom; House of Representatives member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Dr. Biola Makinde, to be installed the Atunluse of Ondo Kingdom; Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker Olamide Adesanmi Oladiji is to be installed the Baamoye; while a renowned professor of History, Prof. Toyin Falola, is to be conferred with the chieftaincy title of Bobapitan.
A prominent lawyer, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde, will be installed the Baamofin; the Vice Chancellor, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Lilian Salami, as the Yeye Meso; and Mr. and Mrs. Lofinmakin as Mayegun.
Others are: Prof. Folake Onayemi (Yeye Ekolere); Akinlolu Akintewe (Bobagbero), Prof. Augustinah Duyile (Yeye Meto); Alhaja Nusirat Yusuf (Yeye-Luwa); Dr. Oluwole Olakunde (Baasegun); Engr and Prof. Ogunmakin (Gbayegun/Yeye Gbayegun); Otunba Felix Oladunjoye (Bobagbimo); Princess M. Adebayo (Yeyeloro); Chief Mrs. Adeola Akinseloyin (Ajisewa) and Folake Oritsegbubemi Onayemi, among others.