The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has lauded the founder of Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga, for his contributions to the success of the annual Ojude-Oba festival.
The first-class Oba said Adenuga’s financial contributions through Globacom had sustained the festival, which is usually held third day after the Muslim festival, Eid-el Kabir.
The monarch, however, said the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, would be one of the special guests of honour at the festival.
Addressing newsmen at the press conference to herald the annual festival, the Awujale, represented by the Chairman of Ojude-Oba Festival Committee, Otunba Odubote Osinusi, said apart from the Alaafin of Oyo, other personalities invited as special guests of honour included Governor Dapo Abiodun, Sir Kessington Adebutu and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi .
He described the festival as a way of boosting commerce and trade in the Ijebu area of the state, adding that the festival “is a classic example and manifestation of religious tolerance in Ijebuland.”
In his remarks, Adenuga praised Awujale for using Ojude-Oba to tackle developmental issues in Ijebu.
The philanthropist, who was represented by the Globacom Regional Activation Manager for Lagos and Ogun states, Olufolahan Faseyitan, said the celebration “is to collectively share thoughts on how to take Ijebuland to the next level of social and infrastructural developments.”
He added, “We know that this year will not be different too. We have special commendation for our highly revered paramount ruler, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, because of the giant strides recorded in Ijebuland since he ascended the throne of his forefathers 59 years ago.
“It is noteworthy that the Alaiyeluwa has been using the Ojude-Oba festival to address issues germane to the development of Ijebuland.”
Speaking on the activities line up for the festival, Adenuga said Globacom would be given 10 indigenes of Ijebuland tricycles and other mouth-watering gifts.
He also said the telecommunications company would also be bringing popular Fuji icon, Abass Obesere, multi-talented musician, Keshinro Ololade, popularly known as Lill’Kesh, and ace comedian, DJ Bash, to the musical concert.
He added, “On our part this year, we promise to raise the bar of the festival in value and stature. The Regberegbe, the various age groups, will have mouth-watering cash prizes for the most colourful and creative groups as usual while the royal banquet would be regal and classy.”
