The Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will on Friday September 14 2018 present the Staff of office to the new Monarch of Okeigbo in Ile Oluji /Okeigbo Local Government, Oba Lawrence Oluwole Babajide, Bamigbala I, Oluoke of Okeigbo at the Civic Centre, Okeigbo.
Oba Babajide succeeds Oba Sir Dr Timothy Oluwole Fasade, who joined his ancestors on the 3rd July, 2007. The delay in filling the stool arose as a result of series of litigation. The last of the cases was finally laid to rest with the judgment of the State High Court, Ondo delivered in October 2017. Thereafter the Aare Ruling House got the nod to produce candidates and after a thorough screening by a committee headed by Chief Lawrence Fidipote two of the Princes made the final list; Oba Lawrence Oluwole Babajide, from Bamigbala Alapinni indigenous family and Prince Israel Adebowale Odefadehan from Kugbayigbe indigenous family.
Both candidates are from the male line of Aare Kugbayigbe Ruling House/Quarter.
Thirteen of the 14 kingmakers headed by Chief Elusoji [the Obalale of Okeigbo], met under the supervision of the Ile-oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Officials on 3rd April 2018. The two candidates who were presented to the kingmakers by Aare Ruling House/Quarters were interviewed publicly at the Oluoke Palace Hall. The election was conducted by the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Council Officials. Oba Lawrence Oluwole Babajide emerged the winner with 12 votes.
Consequently, Ondo State Executive Council presided over by Akeredolu at its meeting held on 3rd of July 2018 approved the appointment of Oba Lawrence Babajide as the Oluoke of Okeigbo.
The Oluoke – Elect arrived Okeigbo on the 12th July 2018 with pomp and ceremony to commence the traditional rites leading to his installation. He observed all the rites for a periods of Seven [7] days at Ipebi after which he was crowned traditionally on the 19th July 2018. thus becoming the fourth [4th] beaded crowned Oluoke of Okeigbo.
The Planning Committee has asked all Okeigbo Citizens at home and abroad and all well-wishers across the world to assist and cooperate with the Committee to ensure a successful Coronation Ceremony.