Okeagbe agog as Ajana of Afa marks first coronation anniversary

The ancient town of Afa Okeagbe in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State was aglow on Saturday, August 23, as indigenes and well-wishers at home and abroad converged to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of their monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Okeladeokin, Arole-Agba I.

The grand ceremony, held at the Ajana’s Palace, attracted eminent personalities, including the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II; and other traditional rulers across the state.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation, Elder Ayodele Samson Akande. The Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, a son of the soil, was represented by Hon. Adetileewa Fafunmilade. Also in attendance were chiefs, religious leaders, youth and women leaders and prominent indigenes of Afa both at home and in the diaspora.

In his address, Oba Arasanyin reflected on his emergence as Ajana, describing it as “a period that tested the unity, patience, and determination” of the people, while paying tribute to the kingmakers for upholding the will of the community.

“By the grace of God, the will of the people, and the steadfastness of our kingmakers, I emerged as your chosen Ajana. For this, I remain eternally grateful,” the monarch declared.

Reviewing his first year on the throne, the Ajana highlighted key achievements, including the installation of new chiefs to strengthen traditional institutions, revitalisation of the Afa Oba and Chiefs’ Council, award of scholarships to students, provision of additional medical personnel, restoration of the Chief Magistrate’s Court to Okeagbe after 18 months, and the establishment of an ICT Centre for youth empowerment, now ready for commissioning.

Looking ahead, he unveiled ambitious plans such as expanding the scholarship scheme, launching a micro-credit facility for young entrepreneurs, implementing a Back-to-Farm policy to boost food security, and building a modern palace to complement the historic old one.

In his goodwill message, Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the Ajana on his anniversary, commending him for “exemplary leadership, wisdom, and tireless commitment to the well-being of your people.”

The governor, represented by Elder Akande, said: “Under your reign, Afa Okeagbe Kingdom has continued to witness peace, and solidify the unity of Okeagbe-Akoko as one indivisible entity through development and the preservation of cultural heritage.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with traditional rulers to deliver democratic dividends at the grassroots, while also acknowledging the role of palaces in the fight against insecurity.

Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government, Hon. Esan Owolabi, described Oba Arasanyin as a visionary leader whose reign has fostered unity and progress across Afa Okeagbe and the wider Akoko land.

In their separate messages, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo, praised the Ajana for his humility and dedication to development. They urged the people to support their monarch, stressing that his reign would usher in peace and prosperity for the community.

The colourful ceremony featured prayers, cultural displays, and goodwill messages, leaving the people of Afa Okeagbe with renewed hope for the future.