PHOTOS: Traditional Rulers, Mogajis, Friends, Associates Attend Oladiran Alabi’s Coronation As Atayeshe of Ile Ife
Representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Princess Olayinka Balogun, was on hand over the weekend, as she joined other prominent traditional rulers, Ibadan Mogajis to witness the coronation of Atayeshe of Lakoro, Ile Ife, Mogaji Oladiran Alabi.
Mogaji, Chief Oladiran Alabi was installed as Atayeshe of Lakoro, by Olulakoro of Lakoro, His Royal Highness, Oba Isaac Adesina last weekend at the palace of the traditional ruler in Ile Ife.
The new Atayeshe of Lakoro, Oladiran Alabi, who is also the head of Basorun Fajimi Yerombi family of Ita Agbaakin, Oranyan, Ibadan, hosted family, friends, and associates at popular Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, for the coronation ceremony.
In his speech at the ceremony, Olu lakoro of Lakoro, Oba Isaac Adesina explained that the people of Lakoro of Ile-Ife unanimously agreed to honor Mogaji Oladiran Alabi with the title of ‘Atayese’ due to his unrelenting support and commitment to the development of the town.
“Mogaji Oladiran Alabi, is an epitome of humanity, he stands out of many riches with his benevolence and sympathetic concern for the well-being of others. No one but him deserved the title because he has been replicating the meaning of the the chieftanxy title ( Atayeshe ) for years in our Kingdom.” Olu lakoro remarked.
Speaking on behalf of Atayeshe Mogaji Alabi’s old schoolmates, Alhaji Oladipo Ikotun, he described Mogaji as a shinning star who has accommodated all and sundry as well as improved the lives of the people around him.
“We came here to celebrate our friend, Mogaji Oladiran Alabi, Mogaji Fajinmi, and the Atayese. We went to the Lagos State University together in 1985-1989 and the friendship has blossomed up to this point. Sincerely, we are happy for him.
“He used to be a very vibrant student in his university days. He is the type that does have a target and always achieves his vision. The time he was installed as Mogaji a few years ago, we were all here and we are still here today again.
“We pray that he shall accomplish many higher things in the future. He is like a star, which shines every day and I wish him the best of luck.
“Among his peers and members, he has been so helpful either financially, advise-wise, and all that, he has been there. And he is also a pillar of the Alumni set. Many of us who are here came from Lagos State because we cherish him for playing the supportive role. I believe as he assumes another title today, he is going to do more and help a lot of people and God will engrave him to achieve the good things.”
Also speaking, Mr Dapo Adekunle, in his brief remark, said Atayese is a man of the people who likes everyone to grow irrespective of age or affiliations.
“We are celebrating Atayese, Mogaji Oladiran Alabi, whom we used to be classmates in the Mount Olivet School, Oyo. We were mates from form 1 to form 5.
“He has been a good guy and never left his source. He has always been in touch with us his mates and we have been together. We have celebrated him before and, to God be the glory, we are celebrating him again.
“He is a man of the people. The people love him. Whenever we call on him for any assistance, he is always there for us.
“My prayer for him is that he will never be found wanting and may God continue to support him to help the people.”
In his goodwill remarks at the coronation ceremony, Atayeshe Mogaji Oladiran’s daughter Miss Salewa Alabi thanked Olulakoro of Lakoro, Oba Isaac Adesina, the people of Lakoro for finding worthy to acknowledge father’s humanitarian services with a chieftaincy title, said, his father will not relent in supporting the town, in Ile Ife.
She also appreciated Basorun Fajimi Yerombi’s family, friends, and associates of his father for their endless love and for taking their time to attend the organized coronation ceremony.
