“The traditional ruler, who remains agile, strong and sound in mind and limb despite having spent 100 years on earth, appreciated God Almighty, the giver of thrones and life for the grace, mercy and divine favour”
By John Odunayo
The Obanikosu of Ikosu Ekiti in the Moba Local Government area of Ekiti State, Oba Joseph Afolabi Adeoye, will on Friday roll out the drums to celebrate his 100th birthday and 60th year on the throne of his forebears.
But before then, he had received the blessings from the Arole Oduduwa and father of the Oduduwa Race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as part of the celebrations of the great milestones.
The Obanikosu, flanked by traditional rulers from Mobaland in Ekiti, led by the Oore of Otun Ekiti and the Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, were in Ile Ife, the seat of Oduduwa, for prayers for the centenarian monarch and the landmarks.
Oba Adeoye, who remains agile, strong and sound in mind and limb despite having spent 100 years on earth, appreciated God Almighty, the giver of thrones and life for the grace, mercy, and divine favour.
The centenarian monarch also hailed Oba Ogunwusi, who is the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Council, for the warm reception, gifts and love showered on him during the visit to the Ooni Palace as part of activities for the celebration of his 100th birthday and 60th coronation anniversary.
The Moba traditional rulers in attendance thanked Kabiyesi Ooni for the reception accorded them.
In his remarks, the Oore of Moba, Oba Adeagbo, who led Oba Adeoye and the other Moba monarchs on the visit to the Ooni, appreciated Oba Ogunwusi for the hospitality shown to Moba kings.
The Oore, who is the Southwest Coordinator of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, hailed the Ooni for his “steadfastness, passion, love and the wisdom he applies in all his dealings”.
“We are proud as kings that he (the Ooni)is our natural leader. He has been consistent, forthright and has been a good example to all,” Oba Adeagbo said.
The Ooni, who is the co-head of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, thanked the Oore, who doubles as the Oloore Oduduwa, “for his commitment to tradition, heritage and history”.
Oba Ogunwusi, who prayed for more years for the Obanikosu on the throne of his forefathers, also prayed for long lives in good health, wealth and peace for the Moba monarchs in attendance.
The Ooni also blessed the Chairman of Moba Local Government area, Hon. Bamidele Fadugba, who accompanied the traditional rulers to the Ooni Palace.
Fadugba, who relished and cherished the moment, promised that he would work assiduously with Moba Traditional Council for peaceful environment and development.
