Yoruba Monarchs To Honour Deji Of Akure’s 10th Coronation Anniversary With Grand Celebration.
Akure, the capital of Ondo State, is set to host a grand celebration as Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, gather to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II. The milestone event, scheduled for 17 July 2025, promises to be a vibrant showcase of Yoruba culture, unity, and reverence for traditional leadership.
Oba Aladetoyinbo, who ascended the throne on 17 July 2015, has been widely praised for his transformative leadership. His reign has ushered in an era of peace and development in Akure, earning him accolades as a unifying figure and a custodian of cultural heritage. The anniversary celebration will highlight his contributions to the Akure Kingdom and Ondo State, with a series of events designed to reflect the rich traditions of the Yoruba people.
The Ooni of Ife, regarded as the spiritual leader of the Yoruba race, will lead a distinguished delegation of traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to honour the Deji. Their presence underscores the deep bonds among Yoruba monarchs and their collective commitment to fostering unity and progress. The event is expected to draw dignitaries, including government officials, community leaders, and Akure indigenes from the diaspora, all eager to celebrate a decade of Oba Aladetoyinbo’s impactful reign.
Festivities will feature cultural displays, including traditional music, dance, and performances that showcase Akure’s heritage. The Ulefunta Festival, a significant cultural event in Akure, will form a key part of the celebrations, highlighting the kingdom’s tourism potential and its commitment to preserving Yoruba traditions. The festival, often compared to the Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, will serve as a platform to promote unity and cultural pride.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commended the Deji for his role in sustaining peace in the state capital and promoting Akure’s cultural heritage. In a recent statement, the governor noted the monarch’s invaluable contributions to the state’s development and expressed his administration’s support for the anniversary celebrations.
The Deji’s leadership has also been recognised for fostering economic growth, with initiatives aimed at attracting investment and creating industrial opportunities in Akure. His efforts to unite communities across the three local government areas in Akure Division, including Idanre, have been lauded as a model for traditional governance.
As preparations intensify, the Akure community is abuzz with excitement. The event is expected to be a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria, with the Deji’s reign symbolising stability, progress, and cultural richness. The presence of the Ooni and other Yoruba monarchs will further elevate the occasion, reinforcing the unity of the Yoruba race and their shared commitment to a prosperous future.
Oba Aladetoyinbo, a direct descendant of the Osupa royal family, has expressed gratitude to the people of Akure for their unwavering support over the past decade. In a statement, he reaffirmed his dedication to upholding the customs and traditions of the land, promising to continue working for the betterment of Akure and its people.
The 10th coronation anniversary is not just a celebration of a monarch’s reign but a moment to reflect on the strength of Yoruba heritage and the pivotal role of traditional rulers in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and social landscape. As Akure prepares to welcome guests from far and wide, the event promises to be a memorable celebration of royalty, culture, and community.