For the indigenes of historical town of Ede in Osun State, March 2018 would always remain indelible in their memory as first class traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians, captains of industry and the political class converged on the community to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the coronation of the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminsa 1.
Although the celebration of the anniversary of the coronation of the lecturer-turned monarch had been a week-long activity, the grand finale of events, held at the permanent orinetation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was the climax of the celebration.
Few days before the grand finale, eminent Nigerians, including Dr Wale Babalakin and Alhaja Jade Qudus, who was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Iyalaje of Edeland, among others, were decorated with installation leaves at the palace of the Timi, located in the heart of Ede township.
However, at the anniversary lecture delivered by Professor Tayo Adesina of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, which was held inside the main hall of Western Sun Hotel, Ede, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was among the dignitaries that graced the occasion, described Oba Lawal as a great monarch, whose reign had brought socio-economic development to the community.
He restated the need for Yorubas in Nigeria and the Diaspora not to relent in protecting the cultural identity of the race, through the promotion of Yoruba language, tradition and custom, adding that the Yoruba nation should strive to ensure that the domineering influence of western culture does not submerge the tradition and way of life of the Yoruba people. For those who had come, it became very imperative to appreciate the culture, lore and historical evolution of the Yoruba people. They equally called on all, especially Yoruba indigenes in the Diaspora to utilize all avenues to promote the culture of the Yoruba people.
In his remarks, the chairman of the planning committee of the anniversary ceremony, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, maintained that the celebration of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Timi of Ede was significant, bearing in mind visible development being witnessed in Ede, most especially in the education and hospitality sectors.
He, however, urged all the indigenes of the community, stakeholders, government institutions, eminent Nigerians, as well as friends of the ancient town, to collaborate with the traditional ruler, with a view to enhancing further growth of Ede. For him, developing Ede had become very important, not only for Osun State but also for the Yoruba nation, considering the historical place that Ede holds in the evolution of the Yoruba race. He equally averred that enthusiasts of the Yoruba nation should see Ede as a pivotal home for the cultural relevance of the people of Yoruba descent.
He said: “Since our inauguration, we have completed the architectural drawing and survey plan of ultra modern and state-of-the-art new palace for Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal.”
Oyeweso implored all sons and daughters of the community to donate generously into appeal funds for the construction of a befitting palace for the Timi of Edeland, stressing that “contributions in material and financial terms will, no doubt, go a long way in the timely execution of the palace project.”
He lauded prominent Ede sons and daughters, specifically friends of the ancient city, for their immense contributions and support to the growth of the town, just as he tasked them not to relent until Ede attains its position of pride, among the great and historical cities in Yorubaland.
According to Oyeweso, “members of the 10th coronation anniversary committee comprised eminent indigenes of our community, including the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Rtd Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Adeoye Adedaye, while the chairman, fund raising committee is Alhaji Dokun Afolabi and the contact and mobilisation committee is chaired by the renowned man of God, Prophet Funso Akande.”
Prominent traditional rulers, who graced the ocassion included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); the Orangun of Oke Ila Orangun, Oba Adedokun Abolarin (Aroyinkeye 1); Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, and a host of others.
The list of key politicians included: the deputy governor of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori, who represented the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; former deputy governor of Osun State and erstwhile chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore; the deputy national publicity secretary of the PDP, Prince Diran Odeyemi; Hon Rotimi Makinde, who was also honoured with a chieftaincy title; Honourable Famurewa, among others. There were also calls from speakers to help in the expansion of the ideals of the culture of the Yoruba people.
and then