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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Oba of Benin, OmoNoba Ukuakpolokpolo Ewuare II are among prominent traditional rulers that will visit Ikoya in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Saturday.
The monarchs are visiting the state for the 80th birthday of the Abodi of Ikale kingdom, Oba Babatunde Adegun.
They will be received in the state by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the chairman of the state council of traditional rulers, Oba Akadiri Momoh.
A statement by Chief Henry Olatujoye said the monarchs are also expected to attend the 20th anniversary thanksgiving of Oba Adegun who is the paramount ruler of Ikale kingdom.
The historic visit, Olatujoye said, will afford the traditional rulers the opportunity to meet together and deliberate on ways forward for the Yoruba nation and the country at large.
Also expected at the programme are the Kalasuwe of Apoi kingdom, Oba Sunday Adejimola and eminent leaders of thought from within and outside the country.
It was gathered that both the Ooni of Ife and the Alafin of Oyo have signified their intentions to attend the pprogramme.
Olatujoye, who is the chairman of the anniversary planning committee said, “The event is also to showcase and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the unique spirit of Ikale nation that spread beyond the southern part of Ondo State.”
He said both Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Adeyemi will also use the occasion of the historic visit to address the Yoruba people living in the southern part of Ondo State.