Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The ancient town of Afa Okeagbe came alive on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as indigenes at home and in the diaspora gathered in their numbers to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of their monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Okeladeokin, Arole-Agba I.
The grand ceremony, held at the Ajana Palace in Afa Okeagbe, was graced by eminent personalities including the Chairman Council of Obas in Ondo State, His Imperial Majesty, the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, Deji of Akure. Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, other royal majesties.
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (ably represented by Elder Ayodele Samson Akande. CO
Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation and Hygiene and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, a proud son of the soil represented by Hon. Adetileewa Fafunmilade.
Also in attendance were traditional rulers, chiefs, religious leaders, youth and women leaders, and distinguished sons and daughters of Afa both at home and abroad.
In his address, Oba Arasanyin reflected on his emergence as Ajana, describing the process as “a period that tested the unity, patience, and determination” of the people as he paid glowing tribute to the kingmakers who, with courage and integrity, upheld the will of the people in selecting their monarch.
“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.
Oba Arasanyin while looking back at his first year on the throne, he outlined key achievements under his reign. These include; strengthening traditional institutions by installing new chiefs to fortify community quarters.
Revitalizing the Afa Oba and Chiefs’ Council as a driving force for development. Awarding scholarships to promising students in the pursuit of education and Securing additional medical personnel to improve healthcare delivery.
Restoring the Chief Magistrate’s Court to Okeagbe after an 18-month absence. Establishing an ICT Centre for youth empowerment, which is now ready for commissioning.
The monarch described these milestones as the foundation of a progressive new era for Afa Okeagbe.
Turning to the future, the transitional ruler announced ambitious plans for the community, including; expanding the scholarship scheme to benefit more Okeagbe students.Launching a micro-credit facility to support young entrepreneurs.
Implementing a Back-to-Farm Policy to create jobs for youths and strengthen food security and commencing the construction of a new modern palace, designed to complement the historic old palace as both a centre of traditional governance and social functions.
In address, the Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa felicitated with Oba Arasanyin on his First Year coronation remarkable Anniversary on the throne of his forefathers
Aiyedatiwa who was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Elder Ayodele Samson Akande said Oba Arasanyin reign has been marked by exemplary leadership, wisdom, and a tireless commitment to the well-being of your people”.
“Under your reign Afa Okeagbe Kingdom has continue to witness peace, and solidify the unity of Okeagbe-Akoko as one indivisible entity through development, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
I want to reaffirm our government’s commitment to collaborating with the royal palaces as partners in progress and development to drive our accelerated transformation agenda through OUR EASE INITIATIVE so that we can deliver and percolate the dividends of democracy to the grassroots communities.
“On Security,I can not but do without acknowledging the cooperation and support of all the palace towards fighting crimes, banditry, kidnappers and armed robbers from our domains”, the Governor said
Earlier, the Chairman of Akoko North West Local government area of the state, Hon. Esan Owolabi, described Oba Arasanyin as a visionary and peace-loving monarch whose reign has continued to foster unity, progress, and development within Afa Okeagbe and the entire Akoko land.
He further noted that the Ajana Afa of Okeagbe has distinguished himself as a bridge-builder, upholding the cherished traditions of the people while embracing modern ideas that promote growth and social harmony.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Council of Obas in Ondo State, the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and his predecessor, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, described Oba Mofolorunso Samuel Adegboyega Arasanyin as a traditional ruler renowned for his humility, wisdom, and deep commitment to the progress of his people.
They emphasized that since ascending the throne, the Ajana Afa of Okeagbe has continued to demonstrate exemplary leadership by fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting development within his domain and beyond.
Both monarchs urged the people of Okeagbe to rally behind their king, noting that with collective support and prayers, his reign would usher in unprecedented peace, prosperity, and growth for the community.
They however underscored the indispensable roles of traditional rulers in fostering peace, unity, and development within society.
The paramount rulers therefore noted that monarchs, as custodians of culture and heritage, remain vital pillars in sustaining communal harmony and guiding the people toward progress and prayed for Oba Arasanyin for a long, prosperous, and impactful reign in the service of his people.
The ceremony ended with prayers, cultural displays, and an atmosphere of renewed hope for the future of Afa Okeagbe.