The ancient town of Isinbode Ekiti came alive as indigenes, friends, well-wishers, traditional rulers and distinguished guests gathered in large numbers to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Akinyemi Adesoji Emmanuel, the Onisin of Isinbode Ekiti.
The colourful anniversary ceremony, held at the Onisin Palace, featured a thanksgiving service, cultural displays, goodwill messages, presentation of gifts and recognition of the monarch’s contributions to the peace, growth and development of Isinbode Ekiti since his ascension to the throne in 1999.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to Harrison Olaniyi Alonge (HOA), Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi, an indigene of Isinbode Ekiti, the occasion was described as historic, particularly in view of the presentation of a Lexus Jeep to the monarch by Prince Ireyimika George, a business mogul and illustrious son of Aisegba Ekiti, to commemorate the monarch’s 27th year on the throne.
Speaking at the occasion, the National President of the Isinbode Progressive Union (IPU), Elder Joseph Ariyo, commended the monarch for his commitment to peace, unity, development and progress in Isinbode.
Elder Ariyo noted that the anniversary was not merely a celebration of the monarch’s longevity on the throne but also an opportunity to acknowledge the positive impact of his leadership on the community. The retired Federal Director described the 27-year reign as a significant milestone worthy of celebration.
In his remarks, the monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Emmanuel Adesoji Akinyemi, expressed appreciation to the people of Isinbode Ekiti, friends, well-wishers and other stakeholders for their unwavering support and loyalty since he ascended the throne of his forefathers in 1999.
The legal practitioner and traditional ruler used the occasion to urge parents and residents of Isinbode Ekiti to provide their children with quality education, stressing that education remains one of the greatest legacies parents can bequeath to their children.
According to the monarch, although quality education may be costly, parents should regard it as a worthwhile investment in their children’s future and in the overall development of the community.
He urged parents not to relent in supporting their children’s educational pursuits, noting that well-educated children would ultimately contribute meaningfully to the development and progress of Isinbode Ekiti and society at large.
The event also featured impressive traditional performances by the Egungun and Alajagbo groups, which added colour, excitement and cultural richness to the celebration.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee and leader of Isinbode Youth, Comrade Akin Alabi, welcomed invited guests, indigenes at home and those in the diaspora to the celebration.
Comrade Alabi highlighted some of the achievements recorded in the community since the monarch ascended the throne 27 years ago. According to him, these include improvements in electricity supply, roads, healthcare facilities, the establishment of additional schools and the appointment of young indigenes into the civil service, among other developmental initiatives.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Onisin-in-Council, High Chief (Barr.) Taiwo Ajayi, the Asalosin of Isinbode Ekiti, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for His faithfulness and grace upon Kabiyesi Onisin and the kingdom.
High Chief Ajayi also acknowledged the achievements recorded during the monarch’s reign, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to appreciate God for the progress made in Isinbode Ekiti.
The presence of Team Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin(a.k.a Dele Super),Member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Ekiti East Constituency I, added colour to the event, with members of the team entertaining guests with songs and music as a mark of honour to the monarch.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were *Chief Ojo, Chief Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti; Barrister Oluwagbemiga Adaramola; Barrister Arogundade; Prince Ireyimika George; Hon. Esan Ogunjobi, Secretary to Ayeikire Local Government; and France-based business mogul, Harrison Olaniyi Alonge (HOA), who was ably represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi, alongside other prominent sons and daughters of Isinbode Ekiti.
Also present was His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajayi, the Owa Ayeteju of Iro Ayeteju Ekiti, who narrated the historical relationship between Isinbode Ekiti and Iro Ayeteju, describing the two communities as close brothers.
The monarch expressed confidence in the leadership of the Onisin and commended Oba Onisin for his leadership style, noting that he had steadily risen through the ranks to attain the respected Pelupelu status among the Ekiti Obas-in-Council.
Other traditional personalities at the event included the Chief Alase of Ode Ekiti, High Chief Afuye, the Regent of Aisegba, as well as other traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders and well-wishers.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the presentation of a Lexus Jeep to Kabiyesi Onisin by Prince Ireyimika George in honour of the monarch’s 27 years on the throne.
The presentation generated considerable excitement among the people of Isinbode, who expressed their appreciation for the remarkable gesture. The crowd erupted in jubilation as the vehicle was formally presented to the monarch.
The gesture was widely described as a demonstration of love, respect and appreciation for Kabiyesi and his service to the people of Isinbode Ekiti.
Responding to the presentation, Oba (Barr.) Akinyemi Adesoji Emmanuel expressed his profound appreciation to Prince Ireyimika George for the generous gift.
The monarch described the gesture as a great honour and a demonstration of love and respect for the traditional institution.
Kabiyesi also appreciated all indigenes, Oloris, dignitaries,residents, friends, well-wishers and members of the anniversary planning committee for their support and contributions to the success of the celebration.
He appealed for continued support from the people of Isinbode Ekiti, assuring them that their collective support would enable the traditional institution to facilitate and attract more meaningful projects and development initiatives to the community.
As part of the activities marking the anniversary, special prayers were offered for Kabiyesi and the donor of the Lexus Jeep, Prince Ireyimika George, by invited men of God, led by The Very Rev. Fadumiye of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Isinbode Circuit, Diocese of Omuo-Ekiti.
The celebration ended on a joyful note, with prayers for continued peace, unity and development in Isinbode Ekiti, as well as many more years of wisdom, good health and a successful reign for the Onisin.
The 27th anniversary will remain a memorable chapter in the history of the Isinbode traditional institution, particularly because of the impressive turnout, rich cultural displays, goodwill messages and the historic presentation of the Lexus Jeep to the monarch.
