The traditional ruler of Ilawe community, headquarters of Ekiti South-West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Ajibade Alabi, celebrated his fifth coronation anniversary recently with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, harping on the need for unity in Yorubaland.
In attendance were Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose; his predecessor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Olabisi; a business mogul, Chief Oyedeji Olajubu, who was the chairman on the occasion while Lagos lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, served as the chairman of the anniversary planning committee.
Oba Ogunwusi harped on Yoruba unity under the current political dispensation in the country, pointing out that the South-West can only remain relevant if all political divides in the region close ranks and work together.
Ogunwusi lauded the Alawe for what he described as “his giant strides in the community,” and assured that he would continue to work for the development of Yoruba race.
Oba Alabi, in his speech, praised Governor Fayose for embarking on the dualisation of Ilawe road, noting that the project would add to the aesthetics of the town and open more business opportunities when completed.
He said: “Through my instrumentality, the immediate past government extended fibre-optic cable to Ilawe and today, this town is fully digitalised. My ascension onto this throne is to bring development and this I will continue to do, because I shall not rest until we get to the desired destination.”
Also speaking, Governor Fayose congratulated the traditional ruler on attaining the milestone and urged him to continue to work for the development of his community.
Fayose described the Ooni and Alawe as “potent unifying forces in Yoruba race,” saying “the humility of Oba Ogunwusi is a strength that will restore Yoruba’s glory in no distant time.”