The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola are among other traditional rulers from across the country, will grace the coronation of Olu of Orile-Ilawo in Odeda local government area of Ogun State, Oba (Prof.) Olusegun Alexander Macgregor on Saturday.
The crowning will take place in the June 12 Cultural Center’s Helipads Open Space, next to the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta.
Ishaq Bada, the chairman of the coronation committee, stated this while briefing reporters in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, said the coronation was preceded by the triumphant exit of Oba Macgregor from seclusion on Thursday, which was followed by street carnival to honour the annual Ilawo Day.
Oba Macgregor, he said, had finished the 90-day required rituals of release from seclusion.
Free medical outreach for the elderly in the neighbourhood came after that.
The king will be honoured on Friday by a few local indigenous groups in Orile-Ilawo, who will be followed by the Juma’at Service at the Ansarul-Deen Central Mosque.
At the Oba MacGregor’s Heritage House, Ilawo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State, “Oba MacGregor will confer chieftaincy titles on select eligible individuals in addition to the certification of some Ilawo Baales (Village Heads).
On Sunday at 10:00 am, a thanksgiving service will conclude the programme at St. Peter African Church in Ilawo, Abeokuta.
Speaking about the monarch’s beneficial effects on the residents of Orile-Ilawo, Aare Babatunde Adebayo said that the monarch has accomplished a lot since being named Staff of Office by the state government on April 25, 2023.
According to him, the king created the “Macgregor Foundation” to support impoverished youngsters from elementary school until their desired academic level.
Over 500 people’s transit costs and school fees were covered by him. He gave ladies, young people, and others who lack the energy to work jobs.
“He supported individuals in business, commerce, and many other endeavours. He has encouraged reputable medical facilities to provide the residents of Orile-Ilawo with free medical care. He has also supported a lot of individuals.
“He supported individuals in business, commerce, and many other endeavours. He has encouraged reputable medical facilities to provide the residents of Orile-Ilawo with free medical care. He has also provided funding for a large number of local residents to get surgery overseas. He is a guy of growth and the future.
Mr. Zacchius Makinde, the secretary to the Odeda local government, clarified that neither the state nor the local governments were aware of the choice or appearance of Oba Macgregor.
He claimed that the state government had authorised his candidature following a free and fair election by the traditional chiefs of Orile-Ilawo among all contestants vying for the stool.
He further stated that Oba Macgregor as the first Olu of Orile-Ilawo was chosen, elected, and appointed in accordance with the law.
