Photos: Moment Olufi honoured Dele Momodu, Babalakin, others at 25th Anniversary
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L-R: An elder in Gbongan; the new Akinrogun of Gbongan, Chief Dele Momodu, Osun State Deputy Gov. Kola Adewusi; the Oluomo of Gbonganland, Chief Bolanle Wale Babalakin, SAN; the Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland, Chief Mrs Mobolaji Momodu, and the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba (Dr.) Adetoyese Oyeniyi during the celebration of Oba Oyeniyi's 25 years on the throne on Nov. 25, 2023. (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
Gbongan, the headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State became a Mecca of sorts on Saturday, November 25, 2023, when indigenes and citizens from other parts of Nigeria converged in the ancient town for the celebration of twenty-five years on the throne of the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi I where illustrious sons and daughters of the land such as Bashorun Dele Momodu, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), Olori Agnes Aderonke Adetoyese, among others were honoured with chieftaincy titles.
Dele Momodu, an accomplished journalist, publisher and CEO of Ovation International, was conferred with the title of the Akinrogun of Gbongan with his delectable wife, Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu, decorated as Yeye Akinrogun of Gbongan.
Momodu, also a politician and former presidential aspirant was born in Ile-Ife by a mother from Gbongan.
He lived in both towns while growing up, and has continued to display a passion for the growth and development of Gbonganland.
Chief Dele Momodu and his wife, Chief Mrs Mobolaji Momodu surrounded by family and friends while being installed as the Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland, respectively, on Nov. 25, 2023 (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
Another dignitary who was honoured was the Olori Olufi, Dr Agnes Aderonke Adetoyese. She was conferred with the title of Yeyeruwa of Gbonganland.
The billionaire lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Bolanle Wale Babalakin, a son of the late Supreme Court Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin of blessed memory, was decorated as the Oluomo of Gbonganland.
Dr Bolanle Babalakin, SAN, surrounded by family and friends during his installation as the Oluomo of Gbonganland at the 25th coronation anniversary of the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi on Nov. 25, 2023 in Gbongan, Osun State. (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi was conferred with the title of Otunba Bobaseru and his wife Yeye Otunba Bobaseru of Gbonganland.
Many other illustrious personalities were given different titles as a mark of appreciation for their loyalty and dedication to the development of Gbonganland.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke was ably represented at the event by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Chief Dele Momodu received the certificate of honorary chieftaincy title after being installed as the Akinrogun of Gbongonland. Watching with keen interest on the right is the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Dr Oyeniyi. (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
An elated Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, who ascended the throne of his forefathers in November 1998, expressed gratitude to the God Almighty for preserving him to continue to peacefully steer the affairs of the town and prayed for the progress of Gbonganland.
He thanked all Gbongan sons and daughters and friends across the country for their support for the land. He expressed appreciation to the governor and prayed for all and sundry.
Below are more images from the colourful event which took place on the field of the St. Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Gbongan with the entertainment of guests at the magnificent Wale Babalakin Auditorium, along Osogbo-Gbongan Road.
P.M.NEWS Photo Journalist AYODELE EFUNLA took the photos.
Chief Dele Momodu after his installation as the Akinrogun of Gboganland (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
L-R in front row: Chief Dele Momodu’s mother; the Chief and his wife, Chief Mrs Mobolaji Momodu; Mrs Awoyinfa and veteran Journalist Mike Awoyinfa at the event. (Photo: Ayodele Efunla)
Chief Dele Momodu is being installed as the Akinrogun of Gbonganland while Chief Mike Awoyinfa (in white ‘Agbada’) takes pictures with his phone. (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
Chief Dele Momodu (middle) with his wife (right) and mother at the 25th Coronation anniversary ceremony of the Olufi of Gbongan on Nov. 25, 2023
Chief Mrs Mobolaji Momodu being installed as the Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
Chief Mrs Mobolaji Momodu, flanked by the Olufi of Gbongan (right) and the Osun State Deputy Gov. Kola Adewusi, received her certificate as the Yeye Akinrogun of Gbongonland. Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla
The Akinrogun of Gbongan, Chief Dele Momodu, with two of his guests at the reception party held in the Babalakin Auditorium, Gbongan. Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla
A cross-section of Gbongan indigenes at the event (Photo: Ayodele Efunla)
Some VIPs at the event. Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla
Chief Dele Momodu with Erelu Olajumoke at the event (Photo: Ayodele Efunla)
Some successful sons of Gbonganland at the event. Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla
Chief and Mrs Mike Awoyinfa at the reception party (Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla)
The Oluomo of Gbongan, Chief (Dr.) Wale Bolanle Babalakin, SAN, surrounded by his people during his investiture. Photo credit: Ayodele Efunla
Members of the Olufi in Council at the event (Photo: Ayodele Efunla)
Sons and daughters of Gbongan at the event
The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr Kola Adewusi at the 25th coronation anniversary of the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba (Dr.) Adetoyese Oyeniyi
The Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Dr Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi 1
