Erinmo-Ijesa Begins Preparation for Oba Michael Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, 10th Coronation Anniversary

By Samuel Ogunsona

Erinmo-Ijesa, an agrarian town in Osun State, is reeling in awesome anticipation of the biggest celebration of colours, culture and festivities the town has ever witnessed as the palace officially announced the 10th coronation anniversary of the Kingdom’s paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-ijesa.

Many Erinmo-Ijesa  citizens, at home and in the diaspora, and across all social strata, are already engrossed in preparations to making the event a once-in-a-century epoch.

A release by the Palace reveals that the week-long celebration would kick off on Monday, August 5, 2024, with the opening of the Erinmo Indigenous Trade Expo which will run from that day till the grand finale on August 11.

Same day, the popular Sapetu and Ejemu Women traditional and cultural group of Igbara-Oke, Ekiti State, will take the stage with traditional dances and cultural performances.

At another venue, on the same day, the town’s children will have a session with the Elerinmo via inter-schools debates, award of scholarships, as well as distribution of  educational materials to schools in the domain.

It will be Widows Day on Tuesday, August 6th, as Oba Arowotawaya will give them palliatives to cushion the effects of the current harsh economic realities. The aged and disabled will also have their fair share of the palliatives that day, according to the release by the palace.

The same Tuesday, the monarch will release his empowerment packages for women, youth and farmers. Simultaneously, youths would have their carnival as the day is capped with the Oba Arowotawaya Beauty Pageant.

The anniversary’s focus shifts to health and wellness, on the third day, with a medical outreach, walk-to-live programme, and an inter-street football competition.

On Thursday, August 8, women take the centre stage again via a traditional dance by wives in the royal family, followed by a Christian music carnival later in the day, dubbed Unlimited Royal Praise.

On Friday, August 9, the event moves some notches higher with the conferment of Chieftaincy Titles to  deserving Nigerians, the maiden Obalufon Royal Convention and premier of the film, ERINMO-Direct Descendants of Obalufon Alayemore. The day will be capped with a night of musical and cultural extravaganza. Of course, there will be a Special Jumat Service during the day.

The 10th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Arowotawaya peaks on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with a majestic royal Grand reception with King Sunny Ade serenading guests at the band stand.

The curtain will be officially drawn on the coronation anniversary on Sunday, August 11, with a church service.

“It is going to be a huge celebration of a decade of exemplary leadership,  resilience and excellent display of community spirit by our beloved King,” a senior member of the anniversary planning committee told The Crest. “Within these 10 years, His Highness has used his vast network in business, locally and internationally, to bring unparalleled progress to Erinmo-Ijesa. That is why all sons and daughters of Erinmo-Ijesha are celebrating.”