Precisely on Tuesday 30th April, 2024 marked the first anniversary transition of a great monarch, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Lawrence Oluwole Babajide Bamgbala 1, the Paramount Ruler of Okeigbo kingdom, to the world beyond.
History revealed that immediate past governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON of blessed memory gave staff of office to the first class Paramount Ruler of Okeigbo in the year 2018.
According to the press statement made available to City Movers Magazine, the first remembrance 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 who described the late monarch as a true man of God that had not allowed his position as a traditional ruler to affect his faith, referred to His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Lawrence Oluwole Babajide Bamgbala 1 of blessed memory as an epitome of generosity because there was nothing he could not give out to people or community. He added that, Baba’s love for Christ depicted his devotion and relationship with every individual, finally, the Rev. Fr. Adetiloye prayed for the repose of his soul.
“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 finally 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 .The parishioners were very happy seeing the new Marian Grotto.
The unveiling of the late Kabiyesi’s statue at the center of the town by the family to commemorate the first remembrance anniversary of the monarch gingered young and old of the community to troop out and singing praises of the late king. In addition, they all talked about the new slogan of “Okeigbo Tuntun” propounded by the king as he was working his talk in his life time.
In a brief interview with the Regent, who is one of the daughters of the monarch, Princess Olusola Babajide, described her father as a loving father who saw everybody as his children. She also affirmed that her father, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Lawrence Oluwole Babajide Bamgbala 1, of blessed memory really loved Okeigbo till his last breath.
The event was well attended by distinguished personalities in the society including eminently recognized Royal Fathers such as the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera and the Saluu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo. In addition, the Christian Association of Nigeria was well represented as the Oluoke Chiefs in council were not left out and notable others also witnessed the style at which the great Monarch’s first remembrance anniversary was celebrated.
