The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II has declared that 16th of August every year will now be a day of prayer for all Akure indigenes across the globe.
In a statement made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, the Monarch made the declaration at a morning thanksgiving prayer service organized to commemorate his 7th coronation anniversary.
The Deji, while addressing the early morning worshippers at his palace, thanked God for His mercies and goodness throughout his seven years as the Monarch of the ancient city.
“There is nothing I could have achieved if not for God who had been on my side. I decided to make the celebration a thanksgiving service, considering what God has done for me and all my accomplishments”, Oba Aladetoyinbo said.
Oba Aladetoyinbo, who recalled the ugly incident of August 16, 1983 which he said was a major setback for the Kingdom, urged the people to continue to pray for the city.
“We know that as a people, the incidence of 1983 was indeed a trying period which we prayed never to witness again. However, we must go back to base and commit our ways to God. We will therefore use this date as a day set aside to commit ourselves and Akure Land to God. We will pray for the good of the land, Ondo State and the Country at large. We will surely overcome the amalgams of challenges occasioned by the incidence”, he added.
However, Oba Aladetoyinbo said he is aware of the pockets of challenges that seem to be threatening the unity in the Kingdom. He was, however, optimistic that the unity of Akure Kingdom will be achieved under his watch as there is no sacrifice too much to achieve unity.
The Monarch thanked God that Akure had witnessed a great turnaround during his reign and prayed that God will continue to guide him in making right decisions and leading the people aright with the fear of God.
Highlights of the event, which was attended by a large number of Clergies, Senior Chiefs, Olus and eminent Akure indigenes and other dignitaries, included praise and worship, testimonies, prayer session and choir rendition.
Oba Aladetoyinbo made a triumphant entry with excitement into the palace as the 47th Deji of Akure Kingdom on 8th of July, 2015.
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