Olu of Orile-Ilawo’s coronation will be attended by the Ooni, Alake, and other rulers.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola are among other traditional rulers from across the country, will grace the coronation of Olu of Orile-Ilawo in Odeda local government area of Ogun State, Oba (Prof.) Olusegun Alexander Macgregor on Saturday.

The coronation will take place in the June 12 Cultural Center’s Helipads’ Open Space, next to the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta.

The coronation was heralded by the glorious exit of Oba Macgregor from seclusion on Thursday, accompanied by a street carnival to mark the annual Ilawo Day, according to the Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Ishaq Bada, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Oba Macgregor, he added, had fulfilled the 90-day necessary rites of seclusion.

This was followed by a free medical outreach for the community’s elderly.

Some indigenous groups in Orile-Ilawo will pay homage to the king on Friday, followed by Juma’at Service at Ansarul-Deen Central Mosque in Orile-Ilawo.

“At the Oba MacGregor’s Heritage House in Ilawo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba MacGregor will confer chieftaincy titles on some deserving personalities, as well as certifying some Ilawo Baales (Village Heads).”

The ritual will conclude on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. with a thanksgiving service at St. Peter African Church in Ilawo, Abeokuta.

Speaking on the monarch’s beneficial impact on the people of Orile-Ilawo, Aare Babatunde Adebayo said the monarch has done a lot since the state government presented him with the Staff of Office on April 25th, 2023.

According to him, the king has formed the ‘Macgregor Foundation’ to help impoverished youngsters from primary school through wherever they wish to go academically.

He paid for around 500 people’s school expenses and transport. He employed ladies, youths, and those who did not have the energy to labour.”

“He also sponsored people in business and trade, among other things.” He has persuaded good medical clinics to provide free medical care to the inhabitants of Orile-Ilawo. He has also funded numerous community members for surgery abroad. He is a man of growth and the future.”

Mr. Zacchius Makinde, Secretary to Odeda Local Government, on his part, clarified that both the State and local governments were unaware of the selection and emergence of Oba Macgregor.

He asserted that his candidature was authorised by the state administration following a free and fair election of all candidates by the traditional chiefs of Orile-Ilawo.

He further stated that Oba Macgregor was chosen, elected, and sworn in as the first Olu of Orile-Ilawo using due process.