It was praise galore on April 30, 2024 as the people of Okeigbo in Ondo State celebrated the first anniversary of the departure of their royal Father, Oba Oluwole Babajide, the Bamigbala 1 of Okeigbo.
The anniversary began with a Holy Mass at St James Catholic Church, Okeigbo, officiated by the representative of the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese and the Dean of St. Patrick Deanery, Very Rev Fr Matthew Shaba. He was assisted by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. John Fawohunre and host of other priests.
In the homily delivered by Rev Fr. Peter Adetiloye,he described the first class monarch as a true man of God who had not allowed his position as a traditional ruler affect his faith.
He said, “Baba was an epitome of generosity as nothing he could not give. His love for Christ showed in his devotion and relationship with every human.” He prayed for the repose of his soul.
Immediately after the Mass was the commissioning of the Marian Grotto donated by the children of the late monarch in honor of their father.
In the same vein, to mark the first remembrance, the family unveiled a statue of the departed Kabiyesi at the centre of the town.
This singular act made the people of the community troop out to sing praises of the late king. Many talked about the new slogan of “Okeigbo Tuntun” propounded by the departed King as working his talk during his life time.
In a brief interview with the Regent, who is one of the daughters of the monarch, Princess Olusola Babajide, she described her father as a loving father who saw everybody as his children. She also said his father loved Okeigbo till he breathed his last breath.
At the colourful ceremony, were the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera, the Saluu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo, the representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria, the Oluoke Chiefs in council and notable others.
The departed monarch was given staff of office in 2018 by the departed Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
