Remembering a good Monarch as Royal fathers, Researchers, Traditional Rulers, others gather to mark 60th remembrance of Olokuku Oyinlola(photos)

By Tunde Olorungbotemi, Osogbo

The sixty year remembrance anniversary of Oba Moses Oyinlola, the late Olokuku of Okuku was held on Monday, February 24th at the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, Osun state, VAM News reports.

60th remembrance of Olokuku Oyinlola(photo: VAM Gallery)

There is something about royalty–class. When it has to do with royalty, you are sure to find dignitaries. And so it was at the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, on Monday as Royal fathers, Traditional Rulers, Researchers, scholars, students, captains of cultural industry and others were there in their numbers.

The event was a display and exhibition of the character and achievements of the King Oyinlola, who was an epitome of discipline and unusual behavior.

The late monarch, whose reign heralded the transformation of Okuku and Osun state to the world through his exposure within and outside Nigeria, between 1934 – 1960.

The Executive Director of Center for Culture and International Understanding, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso commended the effort of the guest lecturer for giving a well loaded slides and examined the true nature of Oba Moses Oyinlola. He urged people to emulate the kindness of the late monarch and advise to work toward achieving greatness in life.

Part of his achievements were: “Given the trust reposed on him to reign over them, Moses embarked on a reformist agenda that turned around the fortune and future of Okuku for many years to come.

Educational Development

Several primary schools were established in Okuku during his reign among which are: St Michael’s Primary School (1942), St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Primary School (1944), Oyekunle District Council School (1955), Oyinlola District Council School (1955) among others.

Secured for both Oyekunle and Oyinlola Schools the Western Nigeria Free Primary Education project.

Provided a piece of land to the Anglican Church in Okuku, Ijabe, Ekusa and Iyeku to build the popular United Primary School.

He visited Ibadan severally to seek audience with the colonial authorities on the need for a secondary school in Okuku. In 1960, the final approval was given and Odo-Otin Grammar School was born in Okuku.

One of the lasting legacies of Oba Moses in the area of education was the active role he played in the establishment of the first secondary school in the Osun area.

“He convinced several notable Obas such as Oba Samuel Adenle (Ataoja of Osogbo), Oba Adetoyese Laoye (Timi of Ede) and Oba Lawani Adeyemi (Akirun of Ikirun) who pulled their combined resources together and with contributions from well-meaning personalities, Osogbo Grammar School was born in 1951.

“He facilitated the construction and completion of a motorable road between Okuku and Offa. Although communally made and initiated by his predecessor, Oba Moses committed enormous resources to see the project come to fruition.

He was able to secure a radio service and postal agency for the town.”

While commenting, Mr Basit olalekan, contributed to the lecture series that Oba Moses has never go through formal education but illustrated a sense of intelligence through denoting birth date of his children, taking the records of event while in the throne. He also emphasize that he was an agent of intellect without being educated.

The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, contributed to the living legacy of Oba Oyinlola, he described the late Monarch as a man of many parts who was dear to all.

“He was a father to each and every one of us and he was a man of respect,” he said.

In their contributions as those who understand much about the reign of the late Olokuku, Professor Siyan and the Orangun of Oke-Ila Oba Adedokun Abobarin both used their historical and royal experiences to school and refresh the memories of participants at the programme.

In his royal contribution, Oba Abolarin shared his experience of how he was sobered when they asked him to become the King, bit latter found out that it is from grace to grace.

“Culture is not statics., and history can never be statics but dynamic, Kabiyesi Olokuku Oyinlola was part of the first literate monarch.

Orangun Oke-Ila said;

“In this 21st century, don’t lose hope on monarch. Monarchs are intelligent and knowledgeable people. I was inside for 12 calendar months before I was crown as king of Orangun of Oke-Ila.

In his contribution, Oyeweso, who is a professor of history highlighted the life of the late l monarch, which according to him can be read in a book titled “Every inch a King”.

He said, “Olokuku’s contribution to the establishment of the Osogbo Grammar School that was Initiated by the Ataoja of Osogbo led to the creation of four houses in 1951 namely Olokuku, Akirun, Ataoja and Timi according to Osogbo Grammar School Website.

“The name was Osogbo United Grammar School before it was later changed to Osogbo Grammar School because of the love for the community.

“The relationship between Ulli Beier and Olokuku birthed Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding that is of benefit to all of us today.” Oyeweso added.

Other photos below:

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