By Chris Onuoha

His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, JP. Arowotawaya II, the revered Elerinmo of Erinmo Kingdom in Osun State will be marking a 10th year on the throne anniversary, scheduled to hold in August, 2024.

The much publicised and awaited week long anniversary which kicks off on Monday August 5 to a grand finale on Saturday, August 10, will be a kaleidoscope of cultural fanfare, royal engagements with other noble breeds that would grace the occasion from other countries including conferment of chieftaincy titles to deserving individuals in the society.

A statement from the palace of Elerinmo in Council highlighted the event to cover activities that would include traditional dance by Sapetu and Ejemu women of Ighara-Oke, opening of ‘Erinmo Indigenous Trade Expo’ and special children’s day with His Royal Majesty,  Oba Ajayi.

This will also, be followed on the second day by Agidanyin Founder’s Day distribution of palliatives to less-privileged ones in the society, including youth empowerment exercise, Oba Arowotawaya beauty pageant and youth cultural carnival.

Other activities that will add colour to the royal event include medical outreach to Erinmo residents and inter-street football tournament final. This will precede a traditional dance by ‘Iyawo ile Arowotawaya and an unlimited royal praises, followed on Friday Agust 9, by conferment of Chieftaincy titles to deserving dignitaries, special Jumat service and a VIP premiere of movie titled: “Erinmo – Direct descendant of Obalufon Alayemore.

On Saturday,  August 10, there will be a grand royal reception that will comprise anniversary lecture, book presentation, crowning of winner, “Miss Oba Arowotawaya” beauty pageant and formal launching of the movie; “Erinmo-Direct Descendant of Obalufon Alayemore.”

Sum it up, the statement disclosed that the 10th year anniversary of Oba Elerinmo will be a cynosure of attention from far and near, adding that Oba Arowotawaya II has laid a landmark of enviable and progressive rulership in his domain and beyond.

“He has carved a niche in a people oriented traditional governance that has endeared him to the admiration of kings and queens from other African countries, such as kings of Southern Africa, King Mswati III, the Ngwenyama of Eswatini (formally Swaziland) who undoubtedly would be gracing the ceremony and Zulu king, King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of South Africa.

However, Oba Ajayi who is the Vice President of the Yoruba Obas Forum will also be entertaining beehive of royal fathers and influential dignitaries in Nigeria and diaspora.

In the monarch’s elation statement,  he said, “As the sun sets on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ancient town of Erinmo-Ijesha, hearts beat in unison, echoing the anticipation that fills the air. It’s a countdown like no other—the 10th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, the revered Elerinmo of Erinmo Kingdom. 

“The week-long celebration, commencing on August 5th, 2024, promises a symphony of events. Imagine the unveiling of ambitious projects, each thread woven into the fabric of the New Erinmo Development Agenda. And then, like a crescendo building toward its peak,  grand finale awaits—a majestic royal Grand reception on Saturday, August 10th, 2024,” stated Oba Elerinmo.