Several prominent individuals including Monarchs and chiefs from Owu-Kingdom on Saturday stormed Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital for the formal installation of iconic ex-National Basketball Coach, Chief Lawrence Alabi Adeoye Adelanwa as Baba-Ijo of the African Church Cathedral at Owu, Ita-Iyalode area of the city
The Olowu of Owu-Kingdom Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola represented by staff of office, the Towulade of Owu-Akinale , Oba (Dr.) Oluseyi Adediran, Olu of Eleyele , Oba Moshood Ola-Yusuf , the two wives of Olowu, Olori Khadijat and Aminat, wives of Osile of Oke-Ona Egbaland, Oba Dr Adedapo Tejuoso, Yeye-Meto of Owu-Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Oluseyi Aderinoku(retired veteran broadcaster ), Yeye Torera of Owu-Kingdom Chief Mrs (Dr) Jolaoluwa Opaleye amongst other chiefs witnessed the installation done by Archbishop of Ogun Province of the Church, Most Reverend, Solomon Ojumu and other clerics who.offerred prayers to God to give wisdom to the new Baba Ijo to carry out his roles for the growth of the Church
Pix Baba Ijo with Yeye Meto of Owu-Kingdom Chief Mrs Oluseyi Aderinoku (retired veteran broadcaster)
The Archbishop charged the Baba Ijo to see the title as very reverred that comes with huge responsibility to the church and society, calling on family members and associates to provide the needed support for him in carrying out the leadership roles as expected for the growth of the Church
He encouraged the Iya-Ijo , Chief (Mrs) Dr. Iyabode Koleoso to always compliment the effort of the new Baba Ijo towards the physical development of the Church
Fund raising was also done for the completion of the administrative office complex which has the office of the Church's provost
Daughter of the new Baba Ijo, Chief Mrs Omokehinde Adetutu Adelanwa Sobayo led the fund raising for the N7.5 million required for the completion of the project to be renamed Chief Lawrence Alabi Adeoye Adelanwa Office complex
She later announced the sum of N500, 000 as initial financial support on behalf of the Adelanwa family while other Owu Chiefs announced their individual donations ranging between N50, 000 and N250,000 in addition to the Owu Council of Chiefs who pledged N100, 000 for the completion of the office complex
Omokehinde showered praises on her father in the special tributes for Chief Alabi Adelanwa, describing him as father worthy of emulation for his compassion, contentment, integrity and unwavering hope in God
According to her , such attributes of Chief Adelanwa have left an indelible mark on her life and that of other lives
"As this new feather is added to your crown of honour , I pray that the Almighty God will grant you greater grace, renewed strength, divine favour, perfect health, peace of mind and long life in abundance. May your latter years be filled with even greater joy, fulfillment and testimonies ", she prayed
There was also thanks giving by the Adelanwa family led by Chief (Mrs) Omokehinde Adetutu and her siblings to appreciate God and the church for the honour and installation of the Prince of Owu-Kingdom, the Baba Oba of Owu-Kingdom as the Baba Ijo for the African Church Cathedral, Owu-Abeokuta
The new Baba Ijo, Chief Adelanwa pledged renewed commitment to the service to God and humanity, assuring the church of the needed support for its physical growth of the church
He expressed his deepest appreciation to the family members and entire members of the Church and dignitaries who traveled from far and near just to honour him with their presence
Prayers were also offered for the Baba Ijo, his family members and entire Nigerians for peace to reign in the country
The reception was held immediately after the completion of the installation activities with church choir entertaining guests to gospel songs
The event was also spiced up with presentation of special portraits by various interest groups
It will be recalled that Prince Alabi Adeoye Adelanwa, the Octogenarian during his days as National Basketball Coach for Nigeria, produced notable players in the game including the likes of NBA legends, Akeem Olajuwon and Olumide Oyedeji who later became captain of D'Tigers, the senior men's team for the country
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