New Olota of Otta, receives Staff of Office amid pomp and pageantry

When beggars die, there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. But this is not about death. Rather, it is about celebration. A celebration of life; of a new dawn in Otta, an Awori Kingdom in Ogun State. A celebration of emergence of new king.
Last Thursday, Otta town stood still as newly crowned king, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II was presented with the Staff of Office by the State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.
The vast field of Ansar-Ud-deen Comprehensive College, the venue of the epoch making ceremony was filled to capacity as sons and daughters of the industrial border town poured out, joined by people from all walks of life. There were drumming, singing, dancing and colourful cultural displays. Eminent Nigerians led by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, captains of industry, royal fathers across Yorubaland and religious leaders added grace and prestige to the ceremony.
Obasanjo’s entry drew wild reaction. And when he prostrated for the new monarch, the crowd cheered wildly. Gov Amosun thanked the gathering with songs and dance. Midway into the ceremony, the heavens opened up and rained in torrents. This however, did not affect the activities as people continued their revelry.
Receiving the Staff of Office, the new Olota who was flanked by his wife, offered prayers for peace and prosperity for the town and the people in his kingdom.
A dinner was held to round off the ceremony. Popular folklore musician, Jimi Solanke was on the bandstand to dish out melodious tunes which made the event a memorable one.