By Adeboye Ado
As part of the activities lined up for 5th coronation anniversary of the Alale of Akungba land, Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, which commenced Monday February 21, the major highway in the University community was named after the late Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, an illustrious son the ancient town.
Chief Adefarati, who hailed from Akungba Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the State, was the Governor of the Sunshine State between 1999-2003.
He was also a Presidential aspirant under the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Speaking at the road christening on Monday, Oba Adeyeye said the naming became necessary owing to the fact that the late former Governor had placed Akungba community on the world map through his visionary leadership and indelible legacies, which have uplifted a hitherto rural community into a fast developing city.
The royal father noted that the late elder statesman remodeled the town when Ondo State made it the Seat for Adekunle Ajasin University, AAUA, a gesture which has contributed immensely towards urbanization.
In appreciation of Adefarati’s unforgettable impact, Oba Adeyeye urged other indigenes and residents of Akungba to emulate the lofty ideals Baba Peace, an apostle of politics without bitterness.
“Adefarati, through selfless stewardship, etched his name in gold for generations unborn to remember”, the joyous Monarch declared.
The week-long commemorative anniversary of Kabiyesi Alale on the Throne, kicked off with honour to the Adefarati’s dynasty.
Responding on behalf of the Adefaratis, Patriarch of the family, Pa Tajudeen Olorunsuyi thanked Akungba community led by the paramount ruler and High Chiefs, for finding it needful to honour their late son, who did so much for the town throughout his lifetime.
“On behalf of the immediate and extended families of Chief Adebayo Adefarati, we are most grateful for the prestigious honour of immortalising our son.”
Other activities such as Youths Parade, dancing troupes companion Masquerades exhibition, installation of new chiefs, free medical outreach by a team of doctors and pharmaceutists, plus the Grand Finale of Fundraising for a New Palace and musical entertainment on Saturday, February 26.
It will be recalled that former Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko issued the Letter of Appointment and Instrument of Office to Oba Ajimo III as the Alale of Akungba Akoko on 23 February 2017.
Before then, the Stool had been vacant for nearly two decades.
