1.Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, 2•Mike Adenuga, 3•Adebayo Jimoh, 4•Chief Olusegun Runsewe
According to a palace source, Kabiyesi in his usual penchant for perfection and thoroughness summoned the Organising Committee to the palace to brief him on the progress made so far as he would want the festival to be in tandem with the popular axiom in Yorubaland that “Aji se bi Oyo lari, Oyo ko se bi ti enikakan (that Oyo Aalafin sets the pace and others follow).
The chairman of the Committee, High Chief Yussuf Akinade, Layinka I, was said to have sequentially briefed Kabiyesi the strength, weakness, opportunities and threat of the programme pointing out that the ancestors have not been sleeping at ensuring that all Oranyan siblings home and in the Diaspora have a successful and resounding reunion, revitalisation of their culture and celebration of the values, culture, norms and mores that make the Yoruba the most unique race in the world.
Basorun informed Oba Adeyemi of the assurances of support being received daily from corporate organisations, institutions and individuals who sincerely love, Alaafin, cherish the Yoruba culture and its values.
The Bashorun was said to have informed that “Kabiyesi, we are happy that your aura, respect and the love which Nigerians have for you is inviting goodwill and support for this festival. We are also happy to inform you that we have been able to receive assurance of support from the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Chief Mike Adenuga whose company Glo Mobile network has agreed to be one of the major sponsors of the festival, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Conglomerate, Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh and Chief Olusegun Runsewe, the Director – General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and other corporate organisations and individuals have signified their willingness to add value to the success of the festival.”
He assured the Alaafin that “With the grace of God and support of the ancestors and the potent blessing of the Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi, the Oranyan Festival scheduled for September 8 and 15 will be a grand success.”
The Bashorun also informed Iku Baba Yeye that “We are not taking anything for granted as we know the taste and the grandeur at which anything relating to Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi must be couched. We are striving hard to perform above the benchmark of excellence as demanded by Kabiyesi and thus we have inaugurated various sub – committees set up in ensuring that the best of the first Oranyan Festival is hosted in Oyo.”
He pointed “Kabiyesi, one of the sub committee, Media and Publicity is headed by Prince Bayo Sanda, one of the best ace broadcasters that Nigeria ever had who is a Prince of this empire and a sound and proud living product of Alaafin Oranyan who has assembled other seasoned men of the pen profession like Mr. Banji Ojo and other young and active journalists for the glory of the festival. Kabiyesi by the grace of God we are not going to let you down.”
Oba Adeyemi commended the organising committee for its effort so far drumming it once again that the Oranyan Festival must be a point of reference to all.
Kabiyesi said that he was not expecting a committee where eminent and distinguished Oyo chiefs, princes and indigenes which include Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu not to perform to expectation, adding that he was available for consultation and advice at all times.
Oba Adeyemi described Chiefs Mike Adenuga, Olusegun Runsewe and Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh as worthy assets of inestimable value to Yorubaland and Nigeria. “I am not surprised at the disposition of these three eminent and purposeful Yoruba sons to the Oranyan Festival. This threesome is asset of inestimable value to the Yoruba land and Nigeria. They are live embers of hope in their various realms of operation. I am proud of them.”
He tasked the committee to spread its tentacles wide and far at making sure that those who are supposed to be involved in making a success of the festival are contacted adding that “Oranyan was a great Alaafin who sowed in far away lands, regions and territories. These people must be brought home
