When Aaye kingdom celebrated its King, honoured the Adenle for selfless service

Recently, Aaye Kingdom in Ido-Osi Council of Ekiti State was agog with festivities, as it celebrated the second anniversary of Alaaye of Aaye Kingdom, Oba Amos Idowu Ojo Adegboyega, Ikumuluyi V’s coronation.

The event, which attracted high networth guests, high chiefs, the elegbes and other social clubs, who appeared in colourful traditional attires, took turn to pay homage to the Alaaye of Aaye Kingdom, while talking drummers, singers and dancers thrilled guests with mind-blowing cultural performances at the place. On stage was a juju band that also thrilled the audience to musical performances.

The atmosphere was filled with the echoes of ancient traditions, the rhythms of jubilant celebration and the promise of a new dawn, as it seemed the whole town poured into the palace, as well as venues earmarked for different activities.

The community warmed up to the celebration with pomp and pageantries, which has as icing on the cake, the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Prince Ojo Adenle and Princess Sayo Adenle as Mayegun and Erelu of Aaye Kingdom.

Setting the tone for the day’s events, the Alaaye of Aaye Ekiti, Oba Amos Adegboyega assisted by his chiefs conducted the traditional rites and chieftaincy conferment on the couples followed by prayers. This was done in the presence of traditional rulers from neighbouring communities, esteemed elders, dignitaries as well as many chiefs from Aaye. Despite the mild threat of rainfall midway into the ceremony, the audience kept increasing at the palace.

From the palace of the Alaaye of Aaye Kingdom, through to Methodist Primary School ground and the major road in the community were literarily overrun by friends, colleagues and well-wishers who converged on the community as early as 9am.

The celebration train later moved to the Methodist Primary School ground, venue for the big ball. The chieftaincy title is in appreciation of the couple’s contributions to the socio-economic development of Ekiti state, especially the youth and women in agriculture. In 2022, Princess Sayo Adenle was also conferred with the Iyalaje General of Ikere Kingdom, which symbolises her entrepreneurship.

According to Princess Sayo Adenle who felt elated and humbled by the great honour bestowed on her and husband by Oba Adegboyega, the gesture is a further call to duty in serving Ekiti people more and at bigger level. “But again, what gives me joy is to touch lives particularly the women folks through empowerment and agriculture. In a way, I have been enjoying doing those things that I have passion for. And I find fulfillment in them. In fact, I am short of words but I feel honoured. It means they really appreciate my contributions to Ekiti state and Nigeria as a whole. Unlike the prophet that is not honoured in his home, I am by this chieftaincy title, Erelu of Aaye, honoured by my people. In fact, I cannot take this for granted,” she said.
Princess Adenle described Aaye as another of her home, because naturally Ekiti is a homogenous state with communities that share culture, history and socio-economic development over the years.

On what the chieftaincy title means to her, she said: “Naturally, Ekiti as a people is one homogenous entity. But, for this chieftaincy title, it means Aaye has become my second home. This also means that my primary constituency in terms of economic developmental initiatives has expanded beyond Ikere to include Aaye. And I should always work for the progress of the community and its people at any given opportunity. And their expectation from me is to always contribute to the development of the town and make a positive impact to the wellbeing of the people.”

According to her, the significant value these two titles Iyalaje- General and Erelu are adding to her personality is that it shows she is a woman of virtue, honour and integrity by all standards. “Above all, I am recognised and appreciated by the traditional institutions in the state,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the community, President Aaye Progressive Union, Elder Bodunde Olusola Elijah enjoined all to show commitment to upholding the legacy of their forefathers while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. He noted that the coronation anniversary symbolises a new chapter in the collective journey of Aaye Ekiti, a chapter filled with hope, unity and progress.

“Let us carry the spirit of this coronation ceremony in our hearts and minds. Let us honour our new Oba with respect, loyalty and support as he embarks on his noble duty to lead and serve our community with wisdom and compassion,” he said.

Bodunde added that the concept of kingship holds a deep-rooted significance in African culture, symbolising leadership, tradition, and unity, adding that in a rapidly changing world, the role of a traditional ruler has evolved to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.

“I want to say here that a king in a modern African setting serves as a custodian of tradition and culture. It’s through that king that the rich heritage and values of the community are preserved and passed down to future generations. The king is not only a symbol of continuity but also a guardian of the customs and beliefs (that define the identity of the people),” he noted.