Aare of Ago-Are celebrates first coronation anniversary in grand style

History was once again made at Ago-Are, Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State when Oba Dr Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworola (Ilufemiloye) Olakanla II, Aare of Ago-Are marked his first coronation anniversary with the launch of a N100 Million ultra modern palace.

The event, which was attended by the holoi poloi in the society took place at the Baptist Secondary Grammar School play ground on Saturday, November 25.

In his welcome address, the chairman fund raising committee, Mr Wole Ogungbola, said the need to build a new royal palace was because the existing one was old and outdated.

The present state and condition of the palace, which serves as the official residence and office of the monarch, Ogungbola noted makes it difficult for the Aare to carry out his day to day activities.

He added that “as a people with rich tradition and proud cultural heritage,” the people of Ago-Are deserved a more befitting residence for her monarch.

He explained that after visits to notable palaces across the Yoruba nation, the committee came up with the design to build a Gate House with a reception, office and toilet; a Royal Court with a car port; the administrative building and the king’s private residence.

Ogungbola therefore enhoined all and sundry to collaborate in building the edifice which would positively project the image of Ago-Are to the larger world.

Chairman on the occasion, Chief Lere Farombi, an Engineer, emphasised the need for an exposed and enlightened Oba like the Aare of Ago-Are to have a befitting palace while calling on all to support the cause.

In a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, Oba Dr Abodunrin Kofoworola appreciated the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the Chairman, Transition Committee, ATISBO South LCDA, Chief Olushola Ogundeji for their support since he ascended the throne of his forefathers a year ago.

He also urged indigenes of Ago-Are to cooperate with him as he meant well for the town.

The highly successful launch was attended by indigenes and friends of Ago-Are from the Diaspora and nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

It was a launch with a difference as Oba Kofoworola’s siblings, Olori and children all donated to the fund raising. All indigenes donated according to their capacities.

Gelede dancers, Igunnuko and masquerades, poets and eloquent masters of ceremony all added colour to the ceremony.

Monarchs in attendance included Onitede of Tedeland, Oba Abdul Rauf Adebimpe Oladoyin; Onigboho of Igboholand, Oba John Bolarinwa; Oniro of Otuland, Oba Sunday Oyetunde Adepoju, Ayilola II; Oluguna of Oke Amu, Oba Kasali Omotosho; Onijo of Okeho, Oba Abdul Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha; Baale Baasi of Baasi, Chief Sunday Azeez and Baagi of Sakiland, High Chief Kasali Adegoke.

Oba Dr Abodunrin Kofoworola became the Aare of Ago-Are on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 and was officially coronated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Thursday, March 24, 2016.