By Dayo Johnson

UGBO kingdom in the oil rich Ilaje council area of Ondo State, Saturday, stood still, as its Paramount ruler, the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick EnitiOloruna Obateru Akinruntan (CON), celebrated his 5th coronation anniversary in grand style.

The coronation saw the high and low within and outside the Sunshine State, trooping out enmasse to felicitate with Oba Akinruntan, an astute entrepreneur, philanthropist per excellence and the leader of Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee was heralded Friday, with dance and cultural displays from Biripo troupes in Ilaje and Itsekiri dancers from Warri Kingdom, Delta State at the Obamakin Osangangan Multipurpose event centre.

•Oba Akinruntan with some regents

On day two, there was a lecture themed, “Peace and conflict resolution in Yorubaland;” launching of Oba Akinruntan Foundation and public presentation of Ugboland official website, as well as a variety night.

On the third day, Sunday, November 9, an interdenomina-tional thanksgiving service was held at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Zion of Nigeria and Overseas, Ugbonla Headquarters, Ilaje, Ondo State.

The ceremony however witnessed hundreds of people from neighbouring communi-ties, who left their fishing trade as early as 7.00am, to rejoice, as well as eat and drink of the delicacies and choice wines provided by the monarch.

The musical maestro, Ebenezer Obey was on ground to thrill the guests, made up of politicians across political divides, business moguls, as well as the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede, who represented Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

In his remarks, Oba Akinruntan, who thanked the people of the state for their unflinching support over the years, however pointed that without them many other feats could not have been possible.

The celebrator, who was full of gratitude said “Today, I must sincerely thank God for his faithfulness, love, care, mercy, strength, support, inspiration and guidance towards us in the past years. We are assured that he will continue to lead us to higher levels of success and significance.”

Philanthropic gesture

Meanwhile, the occasion also witnessed the conferment of Chieftaincy award on an eminent scholar of International repute, Prof Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, United States of America and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representa-tives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Speaking with South West Voice on the launch of his foundation, Oba Akinruntan said it was to put smiles on the faces of many indigent people living in the riverine Communities.

“The foundation will coordinate my philanthropic gesture and increase the scope and cater for more people. If it pleases God to bless me and make me king in this land I think I have to actualize God’s vision for the Ilaje people. Our people have been neglected and relegated to the background. The terrain is difficult, many people do not want to come here, unless you can live on top of water and that is responsible for the high level of poverty in this community.

“Government alone cannot provide all that is needed. Some of us that have opportunities should compliment government’s efforts, and I am glad that our efforts have been yielding positive results. The Foundation will equally provide grants and micro-credit to empower traders and artisans in the community,” he said.