It was indeed a celebration of God’s faithfulness as royal fathers, dignitaries, friends, and family members came together to celebrate the Oak Jubilee 80th Birthday and Book Launch of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP), the Alamo of Ilamo -Ekiti in Ikole -Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti State, who clocked the milestone age of 80 years on 1st of January 2025.

As early as 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, members of the Ilamo Council of Chiefs, traditional rulers from Ekiti State and beyond, including the representative of the Ooni of Ife, royal family members, the good people of Ilamo, friends and well-wishers trouped into the beautifully decorated D’Vand Event Place, Ikole—Ekiti, venue of the book launch and birthday celebration.

The prompt arrival of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP) and his wife, Olori Bosede Titilayo Awoseyila, JP, High Chief Eyelua of Ilamo-Ekiti and other family members signaled the commencement of the proceedings of the D-Day.

Kabiyesi’s entrance into the hall was regal and a spectacle to watch.  Accompanied by his immediate family members and other Alamo Chiefs, the royal train danced majestically into the event venue after a detailed recognition of dignitaries and guests at the event.

In her address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Rev.(Mrs.) Olubunmi Ikeade Olayinka, while welcoming the royal fathers, Lord Bishops, Honorables, and very important dignitaries that were present in the epoch-making occasion revealed that the event is in two parts:  Celebration of the 80th birthday of His Royal Majesty Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP) and the launching of his new book “Reflections on the Traditional Rulership in Nigeria: New Initiatives and New Imperatives”

She went on to commend all members of the Alamo Royal Family, especially Kabiyesi Awoseyila’s children, who took the initiative to organize and fund a befitting birthday party for him.

The  chairman of the occasion, His Eminence Eddy Omoruyi-Okundaye in his short speech,  said His Royal Majesty has already printed his footprints in the sands of time and he is therefore marching on gloriously with robust health and prosperity.

This was followed by Citation of the Celebrant by Dr. (Mrs.) Bamikeye Omolade Okundaye, who read gloriously with so much energy and passion, the intimidating profile of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP), highlighting the major milestones in the life of HRM Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP) to include Parentage and Early Life; Educational Development and Training; Immediate Family; Ascension to the throne; his religious life as well as his business concerns and hobby including his published works as a prolific author and publisher. The citation was a prelude to the detailed book review by Prof. Femi Omotoso, from the Department of Political Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

The high point of the book launch session event was the unveiling and launching of the Book: “Reflections on the Traditional Rulership in Nigeria: New Initiatives and New Imperatives” by dignitaries present thereby signaling the end of the first part of the celebration. Other highlights of the event were the donation of cash gifts to three disabled schools in Ekiti and; the donation of books to the three popular Universities in Ekiti State namely, The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State University and Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti.

The second part of the event featured the cutting of the Royal-themed birthday cake by Kabiyesi with the support of his friends and family members and a glorious celebration of God’s faithfulness to the Life of His Royal Majesty with high praises, dancing to the melodious music from the bandstand. Needless to add that food and drinks flowed ceaselessly throughout the event that was planned by the one and only iconic AZ Event Experts, a premium Event Planner in Nigeria. In her vote of thanks,  Princess (Mrs.) Olumayowa Adebola Agbesola thanked the royal family, friends, and well-wishers for finding time out of their busy schedule to attend the event.  She prayed for God’s blessings and journey mercies for all the attendees as they went back to their various destinations.

Activities for the Oak Birthday Celebration of HRM Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP) started on 1st January 2025 with a Holy Communion Service at the Anglican Church of Epiphany, Ikole –Ekiti, followed by a series of activities at the Alamo’s Palace on the 10th of January 2025. The Grand Oak birthday celebration and book launch took place on 11th January 2025, while the festivities were rounded up with a Thanksgiving Service at the Anglican Church of Epiphany, Ikole-Ekiti on the 12th of January 2025.

The highly successful and hitch-free event was a testament to God’s Mercies in the life of HRM Oba Adebayo Awoseyila (JP, JP) Though the event must have come and gone, it will remain indelible in the minds of the indigenes of Ilamo-Ekiti Kindom in particular and Ikole-Ekiti in general.