•Hosted Over 4,000 Quality Guests
•Helicopters Shuttles Guests From LAGOS To IFE
•Blow-By-Blow Account Of The Grand Event
Friday 18th, 19th of October, 2019 will remain unforgettable as prominent Ijebu billionaire, Chief Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, became the 4th Odole Oodua amid pomp and pageantry. The event paraded many Nigerian politicians, business moguls and Obas. City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, PHOTOJOURNALIST, ABDULRASHEED SANNI and LEKAN ONALAOPO covered the event.
IFE TOWN IN FESTIVE MOOD FOR 2DAYS
The ancient city of Ile-Ife bubbled for over 48hours as many Nigerian crème-de-la-creme of the Nigerian society trooped into the City, Ile Oodun, and the ‘Ile-Oodua”, the ancestral palace of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The palace, was filled to capacity with the high and mighty, when Oonirisa crowned Sir Adebutu Kesington, as the fourth Odole of Oodua. Right from Mayfair road in Ife, guests were welcomed by a giant photograph of Chief Kesington Adebutu and his 2 pretty wives, Dame Caroline and Chief Kofoworola Adebutu. Not only were luxury cars put on display by many Nigerian rich men, their presence boosted brisk business in Ife for over 48hours that the event lasted.
WHEN ODOLE OODUA MET WITH OONIRISA
A few minutes past noon, the Adebutus were driven into Ife in a white Rolls Royce. The car drove straight into Ife Grand Resort, owned by Onirisa himself, where Chief Adebutu and others observed the hustle and bustle that pervaded the resort before joining Kabiyesi in the Palace. A few minutes past 5pm, Chief Kesington made his way into “Oonirisa’s “palace where he was welcomed at the entrance by the high chiefs. He was led by Aare Kola Oyefeso into the palace. He later made his way into Kabiyesi’s guest room, where Oonirisa personally received him. The coronation night had Oba Esuroye (Olofa of Offa), Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi , Aare Rasak Akanni and wife, Dr Folasade Okoya, Dr Tajudeen Okoya, Alex Duduyemi, Pa Adebanjo to mention few in attendance.
AND CHIEF KESINGTON ADEBUTU’S FIRST WIFE, DAME CAROLINE BECOMES YEYEMODE OODUA
Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu, the first wife of Chief Kesington Adebutu was honoured with Yeyemade of the source by Oonirisa Lady Caroline Adebutu, who has been married to Chief Kesington for over 59years, is from a popular Odogbolu family of Jaiyesimi. Her father was the late Pa Clement Jaiyesimi Okuwa and her Mum, Madam comfort Badejoko. The aged wife of Sir Kesington, who couldn’t make the event was represented by her first child, Mrs Abiola Olorode. Though she was not there in person, but her presence was felt as her photographs were beautifully on display at the venue. It was revealed that Dame Caroline couldn’t come because of her age and travelling stress.
SIR ADEBUTU’S YOUNGER WIFE, CHIEF KOFOWOROLA, BECOMES YEYEREWA OF THE SOURCE
Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Temitope Adebutu made her first appearance at few minutes past 5pm, looking radiant in white embellished luxury lace gown matched with a gold head wrap. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she walked gracefully into the hall. She took her seat beside her handsome hubby. One needs not be told that Mrs Koforola Adebutu, the Yeye Oge of Remoland, deserves the title of Yeyerewa, seeing her high fashion sense on display. Though, she appeared simple at a glance on Friday 18th of October, but the details of the white gown radiated luxury and class. Chief Mrs Kofoworola Aminat Adebutu nee Olusanya was born into the royal family Olugbenga Olusanya from the royal family of Onibudo-ode, Ago Iwoye and Mrs Idowu Olusanya is from Coker royal family, Ake, Abeokuta.
CHIEF (MRS) KOFOWOROLA’S LOVE FOR PRECIOUS STONE, DIAMOND
Ask top society celebs, you will be told that one billionaire’s wife who doesn’t joke with her appearance is Cheif (Mrs) Koforworola Adebutu. She has a way of putting her fashion collections together to make a telling statement. She also travelled far to Milan in Italy to buy her diamond. Investigation reveals that many of her jewellery items are off the rack and exclusive. To say that Mrs Adebutu made a fashion statement at her coronation would be an understatement. As many guests were busy admiring the ravishing look of Chief (MRS) Adebutu on Friday at the pre-coronation night, the pretty wife of Sir Adebutu, was an object of admiration. A few minutes past 9 am on Saturday she walked into the Oonirisa palace in a flowing green embellished aso-oke matched with simple diamond earrings. She later made another fashion statement a few minutes past 2 pm in a multi-coloured HOH lace matched with a yellow embellished aso-oke. She adorned a white diamond, matched with white peal, which complemented her rado luxury slippers. It was an eye-popping experience for guests when she later stepped out again in a monotone pink lace matched with multi-coloured diamonds which complemented her multicoloured shoes and purse. She engaged the services of “Taiwo touch”, Nigeria number 1 headgear male artist to tie her headgear from Lagos.
CHIEF KESINGTON ADEBUTU UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA OODUA HOUSE
Chief Kesington Adebutu is a philanthropist who always loves to put his feet on the sands of time. He has donated many buildings equipped with world-class medical gadgets to many Nigerian teaching hospitals under his foundation, KAAF. He has contributed a lot to provide comfort to humanity. It didn’t come to many as a surprise when he proposed to build “Oodua House”, a multi-storey building, which will house an event centre, an international standard library, a conference hall for Ooni of Ife and his chiefs among others. This was revealed on Friday, 18th of October, to the guests when his son, Hon Ladi Adebutu, unveiled the structure visuals to the guests. Oonirisa, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, later led Chief Kesington Adebutu and other dignitaries to the site where the new Odole elect turned the soil and unveiled the commemorative plaque witnessed which over 100 0 Ife indigenes such as carpenters Bricklayers who would be employed on the new site.
ALL HOTELS IN IFE, ILESHA, OSHOGBO FULLY BOOKED BY BABA IJEBU
When Sir Kesington Adebutu said he would make the “Odole Oodua “ his last chieftaincy title, many knew he wasn’t going to leave any stone unturned in celebrating it. Not only did Chief Kesington Adebutu make sure best hands handled his event, he was also a perfect host to all his guests. City People’s investigation revealed that Chief Kesington booked over 350 rooms for his guests, who came to Ife to witness his coronation. It was revealed that all hotels in Ife, Oshogbo and their environs were fully booked for his large number of guests.
HOW 3 IJEBU PROMINENT MEN GOT ODOLE TITLE
Do you know that ”Odole of Oodua “titled had been taken by 3 Ijebu men? Well, let us gist you that history has repeated itself as 2 Ijebu men were picked as Odole Oodua after Oranmiyan. Well, in case you don’t know, the Late G.O.K Ajayi was from Ijebu-Ife, a town beside Ijebu-ode, while the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was from Ijebu-Ikenne. The New Odole Oodua is also from Ijebu-Iperu, Remo which made 3 Ijebu prominent sons the holders of the title.
Ex- GOVERNOR AREGBESOLA REPRESENTS PRESIDENT BUHARI
Though President Muhammed Buhari couldn‘t make the event, but he sent Minister for Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Delivering the message of the President Muhammadu Buhari, Aregbesola described the new Odole Sir Adebutu as a man worthy of the title, saying his philanthropic gesture is second to none. He described Yoruba race as a sophisticated one, hence, the Ooni would not just pick anyone for the title, but someone who could promote unity among the race. President Buhari said previous holders of the title, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo strove very much to bring unity among different ethnic groups in Nigeria, charging new Odole to do more to enhance unity among Nigerians. He charged him to endow a chair in any university for the promotion of Yoruba language, saying the Ooni has always championed promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage and tradition. The President also tasked Yoruba monarchs on the need to be more united and to always be an advocate of peace.
CHIEF KESINGTON ADEBUTU Defies RAIN TO VISIT ORANMIYAN TEMPLE
A few minutes past noon, the new Odole, Sir Adebutu, defied the cold weather to mount a horse-drawn carriage which began a steady journey to Oramiyan Temple. That was where he paid homage to the first Odole of Oodua. However, he was accompanied by the Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, among many top dignitaries. It was after that symbolic visit that he made his way into Laadin Temple, which was also within the palace. He later walked the path of his predecessors when he returned to the palace where Oonirisa with the assistance of other chiefs presented Odole Oodua staff of office, Oodle Bronze Sword and Oodole Conferment Staff to him.
BETWEEN OGUN STATE GOVERNOR AND CHIEF KESINGTON
Do you know that Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is Sir Kesington Adebutu‘s godson? Well, in case you don’t know, permit us to tell you that the political rivalry between Governor Abiodun and Hon Ladi Adebutu has been buried a long time ago. The strong love that existed between these 2 popular Ijebu families became obvious again when the Governor didn‘t only storm Ife for the Adebutu’s new title but also was an early caller. He spent many hours with Sir Kesington Adebutu, while they freely chatted during the reception. He didn‘t take his leave at the reception until a few minutes past 5 pm.
OSUN STATE GOVERNOR AND EDO STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR PRESENT
The Governor of Osun state, Gboyega Oyetola breezed in a few minutes past 2 pm. So, also was the deputy Governor of Edo state who came to represent Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state.
GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU PRESENT AND SENATOR REMI REPRESENTS ASIWAJU AHMED TINUBU
The Governor Of Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwolu, walked into the hall a few minutes past 12 noon with Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Otunba Femi Pedro were there to represent Jagaban Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu while the Governor was there to show love and support to the Adebutu patriarch. They spent over 3 hours at the event before they took their leave.
HELICOPTERS SHUTTLE BETWEEN IFE AND LAGOS
That Ife stood still for the two days was not hyperbole. Luxury automobiles were put on parade, choppers brought in guests from Lagos to Ife. Many who couldn’t go through the hassles of the road went with the chopper which brought guests in and out of Ife for hours.
FMR. PRESIDENT, OBJ, KENNY MARTINS PARTY WITH CHIEF ADEBUTU
One of the early callers at Adebutu’s event was a former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He was one of the early callers who made the event. He flew in a chopper and went straight into the palace to pay homage to Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. He also witnessed the installation of Odole Oodua with his former in-law, Chief Kenny Martins, who is very close to the Adebutus. He also spent many hours at the event before he took his leave.
MAMA BAKASI, SISI ABAH AND FRIENDS STORM IFE
A few minutes past 1 pm, Mama Bakassi and her friends like Sisi Abah Folawiyo, Mrs Yewande Onilere, Mrs Ireti Asemota arrived the Oonirisa palace. They witnessed the historical moment when Odole Oodua was installed alongside his pretty wives, Dame Caroline and Chief Kofoworola Adebutu.
DR FOLASADE OKOYA STEALS SHOW
There is no doubt, that Dr Folasade Okoya sets the fashion pace in Nigeria and the claim became obvious when she stepped out at Ile–Ife penultimate weekend looking like a diamond. Her first appearance, which was in a white multi-colour flowery fabric, was perfectly sewed to fit her physique. Her second appearance was in a blue Luxury lace, which complemented her coral diamond stones which sat pretty well on her neck. Many couldn’t take their eyes off her as she made her way into the reception, walking hand in a hand with her darling husband, Aare of Lagos, Chief Rasaki Okoya. Aare spent the 2 days with his wife and younger brother, Dr Tajudeen Okoya.
OONIRISA’S WIFE, OLOORI SILEKUNOLA, STEPS UP HER FASHION GAME
Seeing Oloori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi from distance in the palace, one could mistake her for a beauty Queen. Well, this is because Olori Silekunola has stepped up her fashion game from what it used to be. She has the likes of “ CEO Luminee” as her official designer while she also has a make-up artist who handles her face beats. Of course, she still goes about without earrings, but her look surely complements her outfit. She was seen with prophetess Mary Olubori and her mother during the 2 days events.
PRINCESS TOYIN KOLADE’S TABLE TURNS TO MECCA IN IFE
Talking about a philanthropist who is popular like naira notes in Ife, and you will be told the persons is Ooni of Ife’s close ally, Princess Toyin Kolade. The Maritime top shot stole the show at the 2 days event. She was a cynosure of all eyes in her white luxury lace matched with exclusive 18carat gold when her table became a Mecca for many who came to pay homage to the beautiful maritime guru. She is also well connected, which makes her mingle with the high and mighty. She was one of those in charge of Oonirisa’s large guests and she made sure they had enough to eat and drink.
SO, RT. AIG ALAPINI, GBENGA DANIEL ARE IFE‘S HIGH CHIEFS
Do you know that stylish retired top police officer, R.T AIG Tunji Alapini and a former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel are High chiefs of Ife? They were among respected chiefs of the Late Oba Sijuade Okunade, the Late Ooni of Ife. This became obvious during the Odule Oodua Chieftaincy title about a week ago.
OVER 200 OBAS Present
It was an array of prominent South-west Obas who came out in their numbers to Honour the Adebutus. Many of them didn‘t only come for the pre-coronation party, they were also at the reception proper. Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu sent his staff of Lagos with his white cap chiefs who were led by Obanikoro of Lagos. Virtually all the Obas in Ogun state also came to honour Hon Ladi Adebutu.
CHIEF KESINGTON PROVIDES FREE BUS AND ACCOMMODATION FOR OVER 5 LAGOS SOCIAL CLUBS
Chief Kesington Adebutu is the patron and financier of many Lagos social clubs and always supports them when the need arises. This was why most South-west social clubs honoured him at his coronation. They were all led by their presidents, while Chief Adebutu provided hotel accommodation and transport for all(Coaster bus with full AC). Among those club members sighted were Lagos Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, UP ASSO, Lagos lawn Tennis club among others
OONI OF IFES 3 SISTERS PARTY WITH THEIR SPOUSES
The Ogunwusi sisters also stole the show at the event. They were the cynosures of all eyes when they stepped out at the 2day event. The Sooko, Prince Bimbo Ogunwusi, Prince Tunji Ogunwusi were the ones who led their sisters while Princess Folasade Fadairo and her hubby, Prince Jide Fadaro, Princess Adeshola and Princess Adebimpe also stepped out with their hubby. They all stood out in unique fabrics from Jumoke Animashaun fabrics shop “Elsie’s fabrics” while their face beats were by Radiat faces.
CHIEF KESINGTON ADEBUTU TURNS 84. 5DAYS AFTER ODOLE TITLE
Chief Kesington Adebutu also turned 84years on Thursday 24th of October 2019 and he didn‘t let the day go without celebrating it. The Odole Oodua dragged who-is-who and those that matter to him to his Iperu mansion where he celebrated the day big with his friends and associates. Many celebrities, who made his title coronation event in Ife also stormed his residence to felicitate with him.
ROLL CALL
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, his wife Kafayat, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Tokunbo Dosunmu-Awolowo, Akarigbo Remo, Oba Babatunde, Chief Bode George and wife, Roli, , Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Gen.Oladipo Diya, Femi Pedro, and Dele Momodu, On the list also were Chief Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, Mrs Kofoworola Bucknor, Deputy Governor, Edo state, Whitecap chiefs, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, Chief Ayo Adebanjo,, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chief Nike Akande, Mrs Bisi Obasanjo, Oba Abdulrasak Adenugba among many others.
A-LIST NIGERIAN VENDORS HANDSOMELY PAID TO CATER FOR THE GUESTS
The Adebutus don’t spare cost when it comes to having the best owambe in town and the Odole Oodua event wasn’t deprived of any side attraction. Astoria came with over 60 vendors, while Cedarwood Macquee brought a marquee and never seen before chairs to seat many rich Nigerians. Number one Nigerian female butler, Bonix and Number 1 male drink butler Ice drinks served drinks. The beautiful decor was by Newton and David while the event was put together by Taiwo Bankole of Strictlyeventng. Small chops was by Abisolatelbitel, one of the most sought after finger- linking chop provider companies while the king of world beats, King Sunny Ade was on the bandstand.
MEET THE PLANNING COMMITTEE OF ODOLE OODUA 2019
The success of Odoleoodua should be attributed to the intelligent brains who made sure the event went as planned. Aare Kola Oyefeso was the chairman of the 14 committee members who made the event a huge success. Other members of the committee are Hon Lade Adebutu, Col Emma Shoda, Akogun Kola Onadipe, Mr Bisi Olatilo, High Chief Tunde Akindele, Ambassador Morounranti Ashabi, Mrs Bolanle Koya, Mrs ABisola Adefioye, Comrade Moses Olafare, Chief Oyelami Awoyode, Miss Taiwo Bankole, Mr Salami Idowu and Mr Kolawole Emmanuel. They met in Ife, Iperu and Lagos on many occasions to make sure the event went as planned.
