The ancient town of Orile-Imo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State is set to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of its monarch, Oba Oluwambe Mofolorunso Reuben Sogaolu, with a series of community-focused programmes aimed at deepening unity and accelerating development.
At a press conference held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Sola Sowande, and the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Mr. ‘Deji Sowunmi, jointly unveiled the schedule of events for the week-long celebration, which will run from Monday, July 21 to Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Describing the anniversary as a celebration of leadership and legacy, the duo praised Oba Sogaolu’s transformative impact on the community within just one year of ascending the throne.
“Since his ascension, Kabiyesi has rekindled peace, unity, and pride among our people. He is not only a symbol of cultural identity but also a catalyst for tangible development,” Sowunmi said.
Sowande added that the monarch’s reign has seen the return of a secondary school to the town after a 40-year absence, alongside the renovation of other educational and religious institutions, distribution of learning materials to pupils, and the facilitation of a new police station to bolster security.
A major highlight of the celebration will be a five-day free medical outreach from Monday to Friday, offering consultations, treatments, and minor surgical procedures in collaboration with healthcare professionals and partner organisations.
This, the organisers said, is in line with the monarch’s commitment to the well-being of his people.
The anniversary will also feature a public lecture themed “Preserving Our Heritage in an Emerging Environment – Orile-Imo as a Case Study”, to be delivered by a former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Prof Kayode Oyesiku.
Other events include cultural exhibitions, a quiz competition for students, and a “Varieties Day” to showcase the town’s rich traditions.
The grand finale on Saturday, July 26, will witness the installation of new honorary chiefs. Among the honourees are the Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria and the Chairman of Apple & Pear Nigeria Ltd., who are being recognised for their contributions to Orile-Imo’s growth.
The day will also see the commissioning of legacy projects initiated during the monarch’s reign, followed by a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and a grand reception at the palace.
Speaking on the town’s development challenges, Sowande decried the poor infrastructure in the community, stressing that many of the ongoing projects were borne out of communal efforts.
He appealed to stakeholders, well-wishers, and sons and daughters of Orile-Imo to rally behind the monarch’s vision for a greater community.
“Your participation is not just in honour of Kabiyesi, but a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to build a better Orile-Imo,” Sowunmi stated.
Both chairmen expressed hope that the coronation anniversary would serve as a unifying force and attract the attention of government and private sector players to the town’s pressing developmental needs.
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