By Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has assured the people of Ido-Ani and its environs that the Oba-IdoAni road will be captured in the next budget for total rehabilitation.
Akeredolu gave the assurance at a Special Thanksgiving Service to commemorate the 4th coronation anniversary of the Alani of Ido Ani, Oba (Gen) Olufemi Olutoye, held at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Idoani, yesterday.
The Governor hinted that the road has been designed and would be looked into in due course.
Governor Akeredolu, disclosed that he has directed officials of the state Ministry of Works to take prompt action on the Ose bridge linking Imeri to Idogun swept off by flood recently, noted that his administration remains committed to attending to the needs of the people.
Akeredolu thanked God for preserving the life of the monarch whom he described as a father to him and assured him that the needs of the town and its environs will be looked into.
He commended the monarch for his service to the nation which has contributed to the unity being enjoyed in the country till date.
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Idoani Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Dahunsi, admonished everyone, especially the elected officials to give thanks to God daily.
He said being alive is by God’s mercy, hence people should not be ingrates, but learn to thank him for being alive.
“May we all have God’s mercy. Whatever position we are in, it is not because we are the best, but by God’s mercy.
“You are not the only one that merits that position, God only used it to bless you. Those in elected positions should give thanks to God from time to time,” he said.
Dahunsi further admonished leaders everywhere to always endeavour to do what is right in the sight of God.
He also praised God for allowing the traditional ruler to witness the fourth year anniversary of his coronation.
“He united the people of Idoani, while tremendous progress was witnessed under his reign. My fervent prayer is that the Alani enjoy more years in sound health on the throne”, he said.
The clergy commended the present administration for its laudable works and appealed to Governor Akeredolu to find a lasting solution to the Oba-Idoani road which would soon cut off Idoani from other parts of the Northern Senatorial District due to its deplorable condition.
Speaking at the event, Oba (Dr) Olutoye thanked the Governor for finding time to be part of the celebration.
He stated that the occasion is intended to give thanksgiving and praises to God whose protection and preservation has continued to envelope him and his subjects.
Oba Olutoye who stated that he would not apologise for the bad roads, expressed the hope that by next year, the community and the entire state will have a lot to celebrate in terms of infrastructure.
In his welcome address, Asiwaju of Idoani, Otunba Dele Olapeju, thanked the Akeredolu-led administration for making Oba Olutoye’s reign possible and plausible, adding that his reign, has no doubt been a blessing to the community.
He commended the Governor for his commitment towards the development and growth of the State through the industries and construction of roads as springing of well as reconstruction of deplorable ones.
Olapeju, who further lauded the present administration for its timely directive on the reconstruction of Ikun-Oba link bridge, appealed for the reconstruction of Idoani – Oba road and the Idogun-Idoani-Imeri-Ayegunle road which had been abandoned.
The monarch, Oba (Gen) Olufemi Olutoye, a retired Major General, served in the Military between 1957 – 1977.
He was the Federal Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development between 1975 and 1977 under the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Dignitaries who graced the thanksgiving service are: Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Alaba Isijola, wife of the Monarch, Prof Omotayo, his children and other members of the royal family.
Others are: Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye, Olufon of Ifon, Oba Isreal Adeusi, Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Aderemi Adefehinti, Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, Oba Francis Apata, among others.
Highlights of the ceremony were the commissioning of a new Palace by Governor Akeredolu and cultural display by the Idoani Cultural Troupe.
