Special Correspondent, JULIUS ALABI, writes on activities marking the coronation of the 47th Deji of Akure, Ondo State
It was celebration, as cheering residents of Akure thronged the Deji of Akure’s palace in Ondo State to receive the new monarch, Oba Aladenusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, into the expansive compound for the first time since he was announced the king, over a month ago. Entering the palace was the last traditional rite which the Deji had to perform for him to be crowned by the kingmakers.
Also, before the king to ascend the throne of his forefathers, he is expected climb the Omolore mound with his first daughter since she would act as regent on his demise. The exercise, therefore, qualifies the king to have the full traditional rights to act as the Deji. The Omolore mound is located right in the front of the old palace.
Akure tradition also prescribes that a new Deji, before assuming the throne, must pay homage to some senior chiefs, including the Omolaare, Asamo, Elemo, Ijomu, Ooye to partake in some ascension rituals.
Part of the rituals, all of which were observed by Aladetoyinbo, included some moments at the Omolaare’s abode, location of the sacred burial sites of all the past Dejis. The new traditional ruler also visited the Alakunre groove, the collection of ceremonial beads at the palace of the Ooye and the climbing of the Okiti Omolore.
The coronation ceremony was the highpoint of four weeks of rites that followed his announcement as the new monarch by the state government. Aladetoyinbo, who is a United States-based industrialist, was unanimously endorsed by all the kingmakers to ascend the throne as the 47th Deji of the kingdom. He replaces the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida who died after about three years on the throne.
As the new Deji was climbing the mound, it was not unusual for his mind to be occupied on how to cope with the politics and numerous problems of Akure kingdom which his predecessors from Osupa Ruling House had to contend with for many years.
Prominent personalities from all walks of life and government functionaries who were in various traditional attires had earlier accompanied the king to perform the rites before he entered the palace around 3.40pm to ascend the throne.
He had earlier visited the homes of prominent chiefs in the town to announce his grand entry into the palace. The new king, who was accompanied by his wife, was dressed in complete traditional regalia, with a horsetail with which he acknowledged pleasantries from his subjects and visitors.
Speaking shortly after the final rites and ascension to the throne, the monarch promised to work closely with the government and use his wealth of experience to develop the ancient town, saying that the residents should be assured that things would change for the better. He therefore warned against extorting money from the residents in his name or on behalf of the palace.
Barely two days after the commencement of selection process for the installation of new king, Aladetoyinbo, one of the 13 contestants nominated by the Osupa Ruling House, emerged as the Deji-elect. Until his selection, Prince Aladetoyinbo lived in Baltimore in the U.S. from where he had participated in the contest that led to the installation of Prince Adesina Adepoju as monarch. Adepoju was later deposed in controversial circumstances.
The current monarch is the son of the immediate past head of the Osupa Ruling House, the late Pa Aladetoyinbo. In ascending the throne, he beat 12 other princes, including a well-known Port Harcourt-based church founder, Prophet Samuel Adegboro. In the exercise, Aladetoyinbo and other contestants were nominated and presented before the kingmakers for final selection as it was done according to the traditions of Akure kingdom.
The nomination for the traditional throne became open following a letter by Ondo State Government through the Akure South Local Government Area, and addressed to the Head of Osupa Ruling House, Dr. Adebimpe Ige Ogunleye, directing it to present a candidate to occupy the vacant throne after the demise of the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida on December 1, 2013.
Oba Adesida from Ojijigogun Ruling House died after reigning for three years.
TheNiche gathered that it was following the directive from the state government that Aladetoyinbo was picked as the 47th Deji.
The meeting for the nomination of contestants to the stool was held at the residence of the head of the Osupa Ruling House in the presence of the Secretary to Akure South Council.
Other princes who indicated interest in the throne included: Kayode Oluwole, Adegbola Adelani, Kayode Adegbite, Femi Adejuyigbe, Adeolu Adepoju, Leye Agbebi, Ojo Awimoro, Oluyemisi Bello, Damilola Adeyemi, Oluwole Oguntuyi and Ade Falodun.
The Deputy Governor, Lasisi Oluboro, presented the instrument of office and staff of authority to the new monarch at a ceremony in the Cocoa Conference, Hall of Governor’s Office, Akure.
Reacting to the selection of the monarch, Ifeanyi Odili, an aide to former Governor Olusegun Agagu (of blessed memory), described the choice of Aladetoyinbo as the new Deji of Akureland as “the wisest decision by the kingmakers”.
He added: “I believe the gods have chosen the one whose kingship will bring peace, tranquility, harmony and prosperity to the entire Akureland because the new Deji is known for humility, kindness and peace, one who loves everyone irrespective of tribe and background. Not only that, he loves identifying with the poor and helping them.”
While congratulating the entire people of Akure, Odili believed that the traditional ruler would use the exalted throne to facilitate political unity among the indigenes and the entire people of the state.