After 33 years of being without a beaded crown, the Alaawe of Awe, Oba Taiwo Oladokun, was officially crowned and presented with his staff of office on Friday by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The historic event held at St. Joseph Grammar School, Awe, Oyo State, saw the Alaawe praise the state governor for satisfying the long-term yearning of the Awe people in approving the Alaawe beaded crown.

Oba Oladokun particularly lauded the citizens of Awe for their patience, understanding, cooperation, and day and night prayers, as he remarked that Governor Makinde’s name will “forever be written in gold in the annals of the history of Awe town.”

Giving his address, the Oyo deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented Makinde, tasked royal fathers in local government areas in the Oyo zone with cooperation and unity.

Makinde tasked traditional rulers across the state with being responsible for security in their domains, which he said is crucial for development.

He also charged Obas to organise cooperative societies in their domains and facilitate effective collaboration with the government on peace, security, and development across the state.

Giving his remarks at the event, Professor Tunji Olaopa, an indigene of Awe and Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, spoke on the imperativeness of unity and peaceful coexistence for the town to experience rapid progress.

He described the official coronation of Oba Oladokun as a victory and independence for Awe, praying that it should be a catalyst for unity in the town.

Furthermore, Olaopa called for the revival of the Aboyade and Mabogunje development plans and the fixing of roads linking Awe.

Olaopa also spoke on the need for the organisation of farmers into cooperatives and the expansion of small and medium-scale enterprises.

He also called on the government to see to the establishment of a major tertiary institution in Awe as well as educational expansion programmes for the town.

Olaopa also prayed for the emergence of a friendly Alaafin of Oyo.

Earlier, the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Mr Ademola Ojo, enjoined the Alaawe to see the reception of the staff of the office as a task to guide his people towards a brighter future.

The event was attended by personalities to include the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Olawale Oyebola; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao; Akinbio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Oparinde; member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Sunday Ogunlade; Chairman, Afijio local government, Mr. Emmanuel Aikomo; Professor Tunji Titilola; lawmaker representing Atiba constituency, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola; lawmaker representing Afijio constituency, Oladeji Oparinde. (Tribune)

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