The 8th coronation anniversary of His Imperial Majesty , Oba Dr. Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, Okoro Ajiga 1 , paramount ruler and prescribed authority of Ugbo land, was filled with pomp and fanfare as the celebrant and his well wishers filed out in a long convoy from the Obamakin
Osangangan palace to Ode Ugbo , the ancestral home of Ilaje Ugbo , venue of the event. The high octane event which held on the 11th November attracted personalities within and beyond Ondo state.
Prior to Olugbo’s arrival to the venue of the event, the Ibadan based maestro Lai Adis, king of Lyrics and his positive stars brand had been on ground thrilling guests with Juju music.
In his welcome address, Odofin of Ugbo, High Chief Nana appreciated dignitaries who have come from far and near to celebrate with Oba Akinruntan, noting that the royal stool of Ugbo is grateful for their presence.
A prince of the Kingdom, Adeyemi Edeghan made a presentation that reiterated the Ugbo Ilaje as the most ancient stock of people in present day Yorubaland , noting that Olugbo Leghe Oghonne sits on the oldest traditional stool in Yoruba land. He stressed that Ode-Ugbo , the ancestral home of Ilaje -Ugbo occupies the southernmost part of the entire coastal area of Ondo state from Abetobo to Ughoye , maintaining that Ugbo land is endowed with very rich deposits of natural resources.
In his goodwill message, His Excellency , Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Executive Governor of Ondo state, represented by Ondo state commissioner for the Environment, Engineer Funsho Esan , congratulated the celebrant and wished him many more years on the throne.
While speaking at the occasion, the royal celebrant, His Imperial Majesty, Oba.Dr.Obateru Akinruntan thanked all the distinguished guests who have graced the event. While maintaining that Ugbo Ilaje is a significant ancient land of authority in Yoruba land, he expressed satisfaction that his reign has brought peace and unquantifiable development to Ugbo land. Oba Olugbo noted that he is committed to ensuring growth and all round development of Ugbo- Ilaje.
Talking on the sideline of the event with the polity.com, the commissioner for Environment said he was happy to share in the joy of the coronation anniversary and he is happy that youth restiveness has seized in Ilaje .
In his own view, Agba Akin Olubadan and Ambassador of cultural museum ,Ile Ife, Akogun Lekan Alabi said Oba Akinruntan is a forthright personality and a royalty of the first order. He stressed that his friendship with Oba Akinruntan dated back to forty years ago, maintaining that they have come a long way.
Omoba Pataki, Prince Femi Akinruntan while also talking to thepolity.com, described Olugbo as one who is very passionate about the development of his people. A point in case, the Prince noted , was the Akinruntan foundation which launched a free medical outreach for the people of Ugbo not quite long. For the youths of Ugbo Ilaje, Prince Femi Akinruntan advised that they should continue to maintain the peace as no development is possible where there is no peace and tranquility.
Among the highlight of the event was cultural display by different communities making up Ugbo- Ilaje , while women group also took turn to pay homage to Oba Akinruntan.
Oba Akinruntan also
paid a visit to Okoro Ajiga Royal House , a sparkling white edifice at Ode-Ugbo; the Deputy Governor of Ondo State , Bar. Agboola Ajayi joined him later at the Royal House to pay him obeisance.
Among the guests at the coronation anniversary were Brigadier Gen.Bolaji Salami, Brigadier. General Garba, Dr. Bode Oloyede, Agba Akin Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, Engineer Funsho Esan, Prof. Abiodun Afonja, Mr. Wole Eroaye, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Dr. Ajisebutu, Bisi Ilawole and a host of others.
