Oworofun of Lapahun Celebrates 12th Coronation Anniversary, Unveils Ultra-Modern Palace

By Our correspondent

It was a colourful celebration marked by pomp and pageantry last Saturday as the Oworofun of Lapahun in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Solomon Adejayan, commemorated his 12th coronation anniversary with the official inauguration of a newly constructed ultra-modern palace.

The landmark event attracted eminent personalities from across the state, including the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Bola Taiwo.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr. Taiwo Adegoroye; the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade; and several other traditional rulers, community leaders, dignitaries and indigenes of Lapahun.

Newsline NG gathered that activities marking the anniversary began with a thanksgiving service at St. Michael Anglican Church, Lapahun, where the Cleric in charge of Ajue Archdeaconry, The Venerable Adekunle Aratunde, congratulated the monarch on his successful 12 years on the throne.

In his sermon, the cleric commended Oba Adejayan for the remarkable developmental strides recorded in Lapahun during his reign, describing him as a visionary leader committed to the growth and progress of the community.

He urged the traditional ruler to emulate the wisdom and exemplary leadership of King Solomon as recorded in the Holy Bible, citing several scriptural passages to underscore the importance of godly leadership, humility and justice.

The cleric also offered prayers for sustained peace, security and prosperity in Lapahun, Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Speaking during the celebration, Oba Adejayan expressed appreciation to the people of Lapahun for their unwavering support and cooperation over the past 12 years, noting that the progress achieved in the town was the result of collective effort.

The monarch, a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State, commended his subjects for embracing development initiatives that have positively transformed various sectors of the community.

He stated that the cordial relationship between the traditional institution and the people had contributed immensely to the peace and development witnessed in Lapahun throughout his reign.

Oba Adejayan also appealed to sons and daughters of the community, particularly those living abroad and in other parts of Nigeria, to return home and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their ancestral town.

He stressed that community development requires collective responsibility, urging all indigenes to partner with the traditional institution in attracting more infrastructure and investment to Lapahun.

The climax of the celebration was the official inauguration of the ultra-modern palace by the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, who performed the ceremony alongside the Governor's representative, Mr. Bola Taiwo, in the presence of the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests.

Newsline NG learnt that the newly commissioned palace is expected to serve as a symbol of the community's rich cultural heritage and a centre for traditional administration, while further enhancing the status of the ancient town.

Highlights of the event included the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new palace, cultural displays and musical entertainment by Yomi 99 and His Melodious Band, which thrilled guests and added glamour to the occasion.