The presidential and governorship candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo Esq., and Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, respectively were among dignitaries who graced the 2022 Ekimogun Day Celebration in Ondo State.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo, Kiladejo, CFR JILO III, the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo kingdom marked the 34th ceremony on Saturday December 3rd 2022 at the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre in a glamorous ceremony which saw guests dressed in different beautiful attire.
The venue had a decoration of wine and purple colours with a red carpet, as dignitaries were seen exchanging handshakes and pleasantries as there was plenty of food and drinks for the guests.
It was learnt that yearly, natives of Ondo kingdom in Ondo West and East local government areas of the state converge to celebrate Ekimogun Day.
It is a day set aside to remember and celebrate the founders of the town.
This year again, the people rolled out the drums for Ekimogun Day with eminent personalities in attendance.
Indigenes of the town paid homage to the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, the chief host, being the custodian of the norms, values, culture and tradition of the kingdom.
Prince Adewole, who also hails from Ondo hosted prominent individuals at his private residence.
The event, the 34th of its kind, coincided with the 15th year coronation of Oba Kiladejo.
This added more glamour to the occasion at the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre, as it provided opportunity for indigenes to deliberate on the ways to develop the town.
Findings revealed that in the past 34 years that the Ekimogun Day has lasted, hundreds of indigenes benefited from scholarship awards and trainings, through the funds generated at the event.
This year’s edition was not different as scholarship, bursary awards recognition and honour were given to brilliant but indigent students who are indigenes of Ondo.
With drums and trumpets reverberating from all corners of the venue, the people gyrated to music, hugged one another and exchanged pleasantries.
Music was supplied by the popular Sunny Ade, as the band kept the audience on their toes, displaying different dancing steps.
Then followed the traditional payment of homage to the Osemawe who, in appearance and carriage, showed that Ondo has a rich culture that dates back to more than 500 years.
Groups ranging from traditional chiefs, honourary chiefs, representatives of compounds, princess and princesses paid homage to the monarch.
Oba Kiladejo lauded the people‘s communal spirit, saying he believed that would enable them to see his vision of turning Ondo into a modern city comparable to what obtains in the western societies.
He expressed gratitude to the people for their support and co-operation since he ascended the throne 15 years ago.
He said the people have shown much love to the town, which he said culminated in the rapid development of the town.
Prince Adebayo thanked the people and the Oba for finding him worthy to. E the chairman the previous Ekimogun, saying promises made are gradually been fulfilled.
His words: “the opportunity given to us last year to be chairman here, we have done most of what we promised.
“We will complete all the lights, if there is any street in Ondo that doesn’t have street light, it means that we haven’t done it. We will do all of them.
“We will also fix all the potholes, hoping that when good government comes with people like us leading it, Ondo will turn to Dubai.
“When the project is finished, you will go round Ondo, you will not see any darkness” he assured.
Oba Kiladejo, presented a plague to honour Prince Adebayo, for lighting up Ondo and Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Salisu Buhari, was equally honoured.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, the governorship candidate of the party in Delta State and former minister of State for education, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, OON, the South-south Vice Chairman of the party, Elder Barr. Fred Owhotorofa.
Other dignitaries present are the
Ekimogun Day Chairman, Dr. Tola Awosika, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Nollywood star Eniola Badmus, Popular musician Banky W and other Ekimogun chieftains.
On the entourage of the SDP Presidential candidate are Her Excellency, Queen Lillian Adebayo, Engineer Yusuf Salisu Buhari the Vice presidential candidate of SDP,
Former minister of State for Education, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi OON, SDP governorship candidate in Delta state,, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, Pst Ade Alabi, Chief Godwin Osigbeme, Mr Silas Alani, the SDP Vice chairman of South West, Mr Patrick Anethua, Campaign Strategist South and others.
Others are the Vice Chairman of the party, Delta Central Senatorial District and Delta Central Coordinator, Gbagi Campaign Council, Comrade Mike Dugbo among others.
