From Francis Akinnodi, Ondo
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The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will today Friday September 14, 2018 presents the Staff of office to the new Oluoke of Okeigbo in Ile Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Oba Lawrence Oluwole Babajide, Bamigbala I, at the Civic Centre, Okeigbo.

Oba Babajide succeeds late Oba, Sir Dr Timothy Oluwole Fasawe, who joined his ancestors on the July 3rd, 2007.

According to the chairman Coronation Planning committee, Dr. Bolu Adeboye; “The delay in filling the stool arose as a result of series of litigations. The last of the cases was finally laid to rest with the judgment of the State High Court, Ondo delivered in October 2017.

“Thereafter the Aare Ruling House got the nod to produce candidates and after a thorough screening by a committee headed by Chief Lawrence Fidipote, two of the Princes made the final list namely; Prince Lawrence Oluwole Babajide now the Oba, from Bamigbala Alapinni indigenous family and Prince Israel Adebowale Odefadehan from Kugbayigbe indigenous family.

“Both candidates are from the male line of Aare Kugbayigbe Ruling House. 13 of the 14 kingmakers headed by Chief Elusoji, the Obalale of Okeigbo, met under the supervision of the Ile-oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Officials on April 3, 2018 and the two candidates were presented for interview.

“Election was conducted by the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Council Officials. Oba Lawrence Oluwole Babajide emerged the winner with 12 votes and consequently, Ondo State Executive Council presided over by His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at its meeting held on July 3, 2018 approved the appointment of Oba Lawrence Babajide as the Oluoke of Okeigbo”.

He said the Oluoke-elect arrived Okeigbo on the July 12, 2018 with pomp and ceremony to commence the traditional rites leading to his installation. He observed all the rites for a period of seven days at Ipebi after which he was crowned traditionally on July 19, 2018. Thus becoming the fourth beaded crowned Oluoke of Okeigbo.

Dr. Adeboye called on all sons and daughters of Okeigbo both home and abroad to come out in their numbers and celebrate with monarch.

Hope reports that over a 100 Okeigbo indigenes yesterday benefitted from a free medical check up held at the palace hall as part of the activities marking the coronation ceremony.

Expected at the ceremony today is the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja 11 among other monarchs.