Okeigbo Celebrates The First Year Transition Of Monarch
30th of April, 2024 makes the first year of the transition of the Paramount Ruler of Okeigbo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Lawrence Oluwole Babajide, Bamigbala I to the world beyond.
The first class Paramount Ruler was given staff of office in the year, 2018 by the former governor of Ondo State, Late Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu.
The first remembrance anniversary began with a Holy Mass at St James Catholic Church, Okeigbo officiated by the representative of the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese and the Dean of St. Patrick Deanery, Very Rev Fr Matthew Shaba. He was assisted by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. John Fawohunre and host of other priests.
In the homily delivered by Rev Fr. Peter Adetiloye, he described the late monarch as a true man of God who had not allowed his position as a traditional ruler affect his faith. “Baba was an epitome of generosity as nothing he could not give. His love for Christ showed in his devotion and relationship with every human.” He finally prayed for the repose of his soul.
Immediately after the Mass was the commissioning of the Marian Grotto donated by the children of the late monarch in honor of their father .The parishioners were very happy seeing the new Marian Grotto.
In the same vein, to mark the first remembrance, the family unveiled a statue of the late Kabiyesi at the centre of the town. This singular act makes the people of the community trooped out to sing praises of the late king. Many talked about the new slogan of “Okeigbo Tuntun” propounded by the King as working his talk during his life time.
In a brief interview with the Regent, who is one of the daughters of the monarch, Princess Olusola Babajide, she described her father as a loving father who saw everybody as his children. She also said his father loved Okeigbo till he breathed his last breath.
At the colourful ceremony, were the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera, the Saluu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo, the representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria, the Oluoke Chiefs in council and notable others.