Oba Aladetoyinbo @10: A decade of Royal Grace and a tribute to a loyal brother; Rahaman Foluso Akorede. By Lai Gidado
Oba Aladetoyinbo @10: A decade of Royal Grace and a tribute to a loyal brother; Rahaman Foluso Akorede. By Lai Gidado
In the sacred lineage of Akure’s royal heritage, the path to the throne is never a casual stroll. It is often paved with trials, perseverance, and divine timing.
Oba Dr. Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II stepped into this divine journey following the transition of Oba Adebobajo Adesida in 1999. During this interregnum, Princess Adeyinka Adesida served as regent until 2005.
Though the battle for succession was intense and deeply contested, the crown eventually went to the late Oba Adesina of the Osupa ruling house.
As tradition demands, the throne, being rotational, moved next to the Adesida lineage with the coronation of the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida.
Sadly, his reign was short-lived, lasting only three years. This sudden vacancy once again opened the path for the Osupa ruling house to present contenders. In the midst of a thorough and spirited contest, destiny favoured the most qualified; Prince Kole Aladetoyinbo, who emerged victoriously and was crowned in May 2015.
Since that fateful day, the ancient city of Akure, the heartbeat of Ondo State, has blossomed in unprecedented ways. From infrastructural growth to the rise of her sons and daughters in global arenas, the city has worn a new robe of pride and progress.
Indeed, this golden era under Oba Aladetoyinbo will be inscribed with grace and honour in the sands of time.
The palace is at peace, the city breathes harmony.
Eku nke bi eku, Eiye nke bi Eiye, Omo tuntun laafin Olofin Deji, Omo Owa, Omo Ekun…
Under his reign, Akure has seen two illustrious sons ascend to the Senate of the Federal Republic; Senators Alasoadura and, currently, Senator Niyi Adegbonmire. Kabiyesi himself has become a revered name within and beyond the state: twice Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, recipient of the prestigious National Award of MFR (October 2022), and conferred with an Honorary Doctorate (February 2022).
Akure continues to flourish, growing in strength, expanding in influence, and embracing the light of modernity with grace.
Yet in this season of joyful celebration, a shadow gently falls, a solemn reminder of a beloved brother, a loyal confidant, a bridge between home and diaspora; Alhaji AbdulRahaman Foluso Akorede.
He was more than a brother to the Kabiyesi. He was his pillar, his anchor, his echo of encouragement. From the first moments of royal aspiration to the final steps of victory, he was there; steadfast and true.
I remember vividly the day Prince Aladetoyinbo’s victory was announced. From faraway Maryland, he called with urgency and pride, asking me to dispatch my media team to Asamo Palace to declare to the world that Akure had found its king.
Today, as we mark ten glorious years on the throne, the absence of Alhaji AbdulRahaman Foluso Akorede weighs heavily on our hearts. If he were here, no doubt his brother; Kabiyesi himself, would have clothed him with a chieftaincy title befitting his loyalty and love.
He would have gathered the vibrant Oyemekun Baltimore family to dance, sing, and rejoice at today’s celebration.
Alhaji Rahaman Foluso Akorede… your only sister, Faozart Abeke Gidado, still sheds tears, morning and night, her heart yearning for her beloved brother whose voice once filled her world with laughter and warmth.
Ramoni Foluso Akorede
Omo Owa, Omo Ekun,
Omo Alufa nla, Omo Ajege jege gbonra uro,
Omo Ama bere gunyan…
My in-law, my confidant, my brother in soul and spirit, may your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Sun re ooo… till we meet to part no more.
Kabiyesi Oba Dr Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, Congratulations Baba. Igba Odun, Odun kan ni.
Lai Gidado
18th July 2025
