Rep. of the VC, the DVC (Academic), Prof. Toyin Arowolo launching the book titled “An Odyssey of a Trailblazer” to commemorate the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the Olubara of Ibara, HRM (Dr.) Jacob Olufemi Omolade (JP), recently.
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on Thursday joined scores of well wishers to felicitates with a special friend of the institution and one of the monarchs of the host community, the Olubara of Ibara, HRM (Dr.) Jacob Olufemi Omolade (JP), the Alaya Gbegba and Lafa II, on the celebration of his attainment of two decades on the throne of his forefathers.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, who was at a crucial, high level meeting in Abuja could not grace the occasion, but he was ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Toyin Arowolo, whose presence added impetus to the occasion.
The ceremony, kicked start with a public presentation of a book written in honour of the Royal Father, commemorating his 20th Coronation Anniversary and titled, “An Odyssey of a Trailblazer”.
It was graced by dignitaries, including the former President and Balogun of Owu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, (GCFR), who was the Chairman of the occasion, Ogun State Governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Muyiwa Oladipo and renowned philanthropist, Chief Kessington Adebutu, who was the Chief Launcher.
Others are one time Governor of Oyo State and former Administrator of Ekiti State, Brig. Gen. Adetunji Idowu Olurin, the Awujale of Ijebuland who was represented by the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, (HRM) Abdul-Razak Adenugba and the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Kehinde Olugbenle.
Launching the Book written by Professor Dayo Alao, who is the Executive Officer, Babcock University Consulting Limited, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the Almighty for the peaceful and glorious reign of the monarch, which he said calls for celebration, especially in his lifetime.
In his remark, the Chairman, Chief Obasanjo disclosed that, he had known the royal father and equally monitoring his progress from his childhood to the time he was a teacher, later a Permanent Secretary and now a Traditional Ruler.
The Balogun of Owu described the celebrant as an hardworking, dedicated and highly industrious man, whose sterling qualities earned him a distinguished career in the civil service.
Extolling the virtues of the monarch, the Chief Launcher, Chief Adebutu was poetic in his smiting of words saying, “Oba Omolade is an achiever, a man who had undergone and overcome the strides of winds to emerge at the top”.
Chief Kesington added, “He has successfully built a castle of nothing and distinguished himself among fellow Obas”.
The Vice-Chancellor and President Babcock University, Professor Kayode Makinde in his keynote address commended Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for being the brain behind the establishment of private universities in the country.
He congratulated Oba Omolade on his coronation anniversary and commended him for a job well done so far on the throne.
Professor Makinde charged traditional rulers to always call their subjects, especially public office holders to question on what they are doing at the National, State and Local Government, pointing out that until corruption dies at all tiers of governance, the nation’s cannot be free from the social malaise.
In his short Exhortation, the Bishop of Egba Anglican Diocese, Emmanuel Adekunle described Olubara as an exemplary monarch that is worthy of emulation.
Speaking at the occasion, the celebrants, thanked the Almighty for being his pillar since he assumed the throne of his forefather.
He expressed appreciation to God especially for his peaceful, and progressive reign, as well as for upholding him with His right hand in the face of challenges.
Oba Omolade thanked fellow monarchs, especially in Egbaland, and his subjects for their support and cooperation on the throne.
He call on well meaning sons and daughters of Ibara to come home and develop their cradle, in order to take their homestead to a greater height.
Olubara, Oba (Dr.) Jacob Olufemi Omolade (JP) is one of the Royal Fathers of the host community, who has contributed immensely to a peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship of the Town and Gown.
As a tradition of the University, the Olubara is one of the monarchs, who successive Vice-Chancellor always paid familiarization visit on assumption of office.