It is a double celebration for the Iresi of Osi Kingdom, Oba Olajide David Okunato (Ilufemiloye I) as he was presented with his Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment from the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, even as he celebrated his coronation today, Friday, 25th November, 2022.
It was a gathering of Royalty and who is who when history was made at Osi Kingdom as His Royal Majesty Oba Olajide officially received his recognition as the monarch of the 600yr-old ancient town amidst glitz and enthusiasm.
The foremost National Leader of the pan Yoruba Socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Rueben Fasoranti graced the occasion held at the Iresi’s Palace Square, alongside traditional rulers from neighbouring communities.
Among the traditional rulers who attended the historic included the monarchs of Ipinsa, Iju, Obaile, Igoba, Irese, Isinkan, Aaye among others, while some top government’s functionaries such as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Titiloye Charles; the SSA to the State Governor on Security matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo as well as the State Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy affairs, Hon Akinwumi Sowore who represented Governor Akeredolu at the occasion.
While Congratulating the Iresi of Osi, Akeredolu said the recognition of the stool followed due process and it was on line with necessary law.
The Governor used the occasion to charge traditional rulers to assist government in providing security as they are the closest to the people at various communities.
In an acceptance speech, the Iresi of Osi Kingdom, Oba Olajide David Okunato (Ilufemiloye I), who described his town as one of the fastest growing communities in Ondo State, pledged to sustain his developmental strategies for rapid growth.
“This epoch event is a harbinger of better times to come as we are about to make history that will herald unprecedented development of Osi community”, Oba Olajide said succinctly.
SHORT HISTORY OF OSI TOWN
Osi is an ancient town in Ondo state, Nigeria and also a sister town to Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Osi was founded about the 13th century. There was a dispute between two Princes of Ise Ekiti on succession to the throne. The 1st son then decided to migrate from Ise Ekiti with his supporters and later settled at a place called Oyinhin between Owo and Oba-ile.
However due to inter communal war in Oyinhin, the Prince and his community resettled at another location named Ashio, however the community later moved a distance from Oba ile to the present location which they renamed as Osi, Ondo-State.
Historians have it that Osi has been at this location for about 600 years.
Osi is 16km from Akure, the state capital and it has boundaries with Obaile, Igoba, Isinigbo and Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North and can be accessed from Owo/Akure/ Ilesha/Ibadan Highway and Ado/Ikere Express Road.
Osi presently hosts (4) Four Major Estates, namely NUJ PEN Estate, Royal Square Estate, OSOPADEC Estate and Diamond Estate. Ondo/Ekiti Police Zonal Command (Zone 17) permanent site and other Government institutions are also located in Osi.
The traditional institutions in Osi was recently elevated to the status of recognized Obas by Ondo state Government under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON in line with the recommendation of the report of Justice Ajama Commission on Chieftaincy matter in the state.
Observers have commended the chieftaincy policy of Government which is capable of stimulating rapid development in the affected communities.
