Akire of Ikire-Ile returns from Holy Pilgrimage into warm reception of enthusiastic subjects
By KEMI KASUMU
An enthusiastic crowd of town’s men, women and youth trooped out en masse to receive Yoruba first class traditional ruler, Akire of Ikire-Ile, Osun State, His Royal Majesty Oba Alhaji Azeez Olatunbosun, upon his return from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he went for this year’s Holy Pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah.
The king, whose convoy arrived the location at the outskirt of the town and into the warm reception of the subjects, reciprocated their show of love by standing across the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) waving to people in the crowd, those who climbed on roofs-top and who climbed on trees chanting the praises of the king “Kabiyesi ooo! E kaabo! A dupo fun Olorun Oba o”.
The subjects thronged out in their numbers to welcome their leader that travelled on Hajj a month ago, drumming, singing and thanking the Almighty Allah for successful spiritual journey of the Oba.
In a reaction titled, “MY PEOPLE, MY PRIDE, MY GRATITUDE: HAJJ 1446AH HOMECOMING”, Oba Olatubosun said, “Alhamdulillah!
“All praise and gratitude are due to Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for the blessings of this year’s Hajj. Though this was not my first pilgrimage, it holds a special place in my heart as my first Hajj since ascending the throne as the Akire of Ikire-Ile and as Osun state Amir-ul-Hajj 2025 — and for that, I remain ever grateful.
“Upon my return, I was overwhelmed by the incredible show of love and loyalty from my people. From Ori-Eru in Iwo to Ogbaagba Roundabout, up to Akire -Ile palace, the entire route came alive with joyous celebration. What is normally a 20-minute journey stretched to nearly 3 hours, all because of the massive turnout, the love, the songs, the chants, the entertainment — and yes, even the drummers were not left out!
“They came in their numbers — Assalatu groups, youth clubs, market women associations, the esteemed Akire -ile- Chiefs-in-Council, and many other groups and individuals across the Ikire-Ile Kingdom — each one adding colour and spirit to the homecoming.
“I am so deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support. May Allâh reward everyone abundantly and continue to bless Ikire-Ile with peace, unity, and unending progress. Amin.”
