The 10th year remembrance of the late Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke Gbadewolu 1st, was marked with great fanfare, as indigenes of Ago-Are, home and abroad, gathered to extol the virtues of the late monarch. The occasion was a fitting tribute to a leader who left an indelible mark on the history of Ago-Are.
As Kaseem Jenrade reported, various dignitaries spoke at the event, held at Ago-Are Town Hall, and praised the late Oba’s exemplary attributes. The guest lecturer, Hon Justice Kareem Adeyinka Adedokun, described Oba Oyesiji’s reign as peaceful and marked by unprecedented development. Justice Adedokun said, “The humility, benevolence, calmness, and worthy lifestyle of the late monarch are worthy of emulation.”
Jenrade noted that the speakers testified to the good deeds of the late monarch, with some quoting his philosophical words. Justice Adedokun quoted Cissero, saying, “A holistic approach, inclusivity, social justice, and participatory democracy are essential for rebranding the ancient town.” Former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Joe Makanjuola Ayoola Makenson, Former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon Prince Abdul Raheem Muslim Oyedemi, and other dignitaries also praised the late monarch’s legacy.
Jenrade submitted that, the speakers urged the people of Ago-Are to take a cue from the memorable legacies of Oba Oyesiji Oladoke. Chief Muslim Oyedemi admonished the current Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Michael Kofoworola Olakanla Abodunrin, to translate his wealth of knowledge and experience into good governance. Chief Oyedemi said, “Do not allow unscrupulous elements to hijack the governance of the land.”
Jenrade also reported that the princes and princesses of the late monarch, including Prince Taoheed Oladoke, Prince Isau Oladoke, Alhaji Prince Jubril Mutawakilu Oladoke, Princess Mutiat Salahudeen nee Oladoke, and Princess Kudirat Okanlawon Opeloyeru, appreciated the life well spent of their father. They stated that an endowment fund in honor of late Jubril Oladoke has been established to preserve his legacies.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to recognize the outstanding achievements of some distinguished sons and daughters of Ago-Are during the reign of the late monarch. As Kaseem Jenrade noted, the late Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke Gbadewolu 1st, reigned between 1976 and 2015, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.