No fewer than eight royal fathers in Ikale land, across Irele, Okitipupa and Ilaje Local Government areas of Ondo State, top government officials and professionals from all walks of life on Thursday hailed the coronation of the new Olofun of Ode Irele, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Omopariola Odimayo.
The coronation which came after a weeklong traditional rites, marked a new chapter of unity, cultural pride, and progress for the kingdom, a collective victory built on patience, resilience, and tradition.
Speaking earlier, Oba Odimayo preached unity and progress as he called on all sons and daughters of the land to eschew bitterness and work for the development of the town.
The dignitaries include HRM, the Odogbo of Ode Omi, Oba Olushola Akinyelure, the Ahaba of Ajagba kingdom, HRM Oba Thomas Adesayo JP, Kalasuwe of Apoi in Ese Odo Local Government, Oba (Prof.) Sunday Adejimola Amuseghan.
Others are the Olu of Igbodan, Oba Segun Adetugho, the Laragunsin of Iyansan, HRM Olasehinde John Akinyomi, the Larogbo of Akotogbo, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, the Chairman of Irele Local Government, Mr Jide Akinfe, political leader, Dr Amos Akingba and veteran broadcaster, Chief Oluwole Akinbo.
Born in 1962 into the Orunbemekun Royal Family of Ode Irele, Oba Odimayo combines a rich heritage with a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
He is a product of United Grammar School, Ode Irele, and studied Hydrobiology at the University of Ibadan, where he earned both a BSc in 1983 and an MSc in 1986.
A seasoned professional in print administration and management, he has served as Assistant Research Consultant at NISER, Commercial and General Manager at MNE Reprographic Limited, CEO of Royal Press Limited, and since 1997, Managing Director and CEO of Alpha Press Limited.
He is also a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Commerce of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Printers of Nigeria.
Beyond his career, Oba Odimayo has been a pillar of community service. He was the Pioneer President of Club De Dynamic Ode Irele and the Irele Development Forum, and National Treasurer, United Grammar School Old Students Association (UGSOSA
