The ancient city of Akure, Ondo State, was agog with pomp and pageantry, Wednesday, 8th July, 2015 as His Royal Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II) formally ascended the throne as the 47th Deji of Akure Kingdom.
The event, which saw the Oba moving in a procession to different locations en route the palace, was the climax of the installation ceremony, which began with his nomination by the king-makers from the Osupa Ruling Family, before being confirmed by the Government of Ondo State.
The Staff of Office was presented to the new Deji, Oba Aladelusi by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo on Thursday, 9th of June 2015.
Speaking with the NICO News, South-West Zone, one of the Palace Chiefs (Omode Owa), Chief J. O. Araloyin, said Wednesday’s procession was significant and was the last before the new Deji could enter the palace and ascend the throne; he was crowned alongside with the Regent-to-be (his first daughter), Princess Adedina Aladelusi.
Chief Araloyin went further that by tradition, the Chiefs in Akure, which include, ‘Aro’, ‘Are’, ‘Olosa’, ‘Odopetu’, ‘Osokute’, ‘Osuwajo’, and all the important Chiefs in Akure normally hand over the king to the ‘Omodeowa’ (Palace Chiefs) in front of the palace; and the ‘Omodeowa’ take him to the inner palace for another sacrifice, thereafter, the new Deji of Akure Kingdom can entertain visitors and well-wishers.
In an interview with one of the ‘Alanan Oba’ (route guide for the king), Folorunsho Oshodi, the king must perform these sacrifices for a peaceful reign on the throne; adding that, those routes have been in existence since the days of old, and they must be followed according to tradition.
Wednesday’s procession was not hindered by the light shower, which was believed to be a showers of blessings, as shops and markets in the town were under lock and key to give room for the success of the coronation, even though the Erekesan, that is the Oba’s markets had been under lock since the demise of the immediate past Deji, and are expected to be reopened after the coronation ceremony, probably from next Monday.
The new Deji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, born on the 28th of December, 1956, succeeded the late Oba Adebiyi Adegboyega Adesida, who joined his ancestors on the 1st of December 2013.
The Zonal Director of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mr. Ohi Ojo was accompanied to the occasion by Mr. Dickson Idonije of Research and Documentation.
Mustapha Alfanla
Corporate Affairs
NICO