Celebrating the illustrious son of Isara Remo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Akogun of Isara and the first black man to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, as he celebrates 90 years on earth.

This grand event will take place on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Afotamodi Town Hall, Isara-Remo, Ogun State, starting at 11 am prompt.

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The event will feature the presentation of educational materials to students by Prof. Soyinka’s children, titled Isara: A Voyage Around Essay. This gesture underscores the importance of education and honours his lifelong dedication to learning and literature.

The chairman of the occasion is the senator representing Ogun East District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, while the Royal Father of the day is the Odemo of Isara, Alaiyeluwa, Oba Albert Mayungbe, adding a regal touch to the proceedings.

Other distinguished guests include the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, former Executive Director of TELL Communications, Chief Dare Babarinsa, and Prof. Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka from the Department of Theatre Arts, Women and Gender Studies, University of Kansas, USA.

The event will also see the attendance of notable figures such as Kunle Ajibade, the Executive Director of TheNEWS and PM News, Prof. Peyibomi Soyinka-Airewele, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, Barr. Moremi Soyinka-Onijala, Benson Lawal, Engr. Dele Amoda, and Basiru Soyemi.

Bldr. Kunle Awobodu will facilitate the event, ensuring it is well-organised and memorable.

This gathering of influential figures not only honours Prof. Soyinka’s 90 years of life but also celebrates his unparalleled contributions to literature, education, and culture.

As the first black Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Soyinka has left an indelible mark on the world.

His works and legacy continue to inspire generations, making the event a fitting tribute to his remarkable journey and his contributions to humanity.

In continuation of the ongoing Europe Tour, His Majesty, Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege Ph.D, MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode) was warmly received at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome by a dedicated team led by Her Excellency, Amb. Gwendy OMIJEH, the Charge d’Affairs, along with key officials including M.M. LAWAL, H. KWACHE-ADAMS, G. W. GABKWET, A.O. AHANONU, M.N. TONY-BISONG, and N.J. RIBI.

Welcoming His Majesty, Mrs Gwendy OMIJEH commended Kabiyesi Olota for the diplomatic visit, and for the efforts in promoting culture and traditions. She described the tour “thoughtful”, as it will further integrate subjects living in Rome with their homeland.

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During the diplomatic visit to Rome, Italy, His Majesty highlighted the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Awori people. Kabiyesi emphasized the significance of remembering one’s roots and encouraged his subjects to maintain strong ties with their homeland.

He urged them to embrace their cultural identity, visit their ancestral land frequently, and actively promote and preserve the rich Awori Cultural Heritage.

Kabiyesi’s message resonates deeply in an era marked by rapid globalization and cultural homogenization. As traditional values and customs face the pressures of modernization, the Olota’s call for cultural preservation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of heritage and identity.

As the Olota’s message reverberates beyond the confines of the embassy walls, it serves as a beacon of cultural resilience and a call to action for all to cherish, celebrate, and preserve the diverse cultural tapestry that enriches our world.

In his Majesty’s delegation; Alayeluwa Oba Adewunmi Adeniji Odutala (Onibudo of Ayetoro Itele Otta, Awori Kingdom), Chief Olusegun Johnson (Otunba of Otta, Awori Kingdom), Chief Okikiolu Fadayiro (Baamolu of Otta, Awori Kingdom), Prince Adewale Adeyanju (Culture and Tourism Consultant to His Majesty), Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi (Principal Secretary to His Majesty & Omotobase of Otta, Awori Kingdom), and many others.

His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D., MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode), the Olofin Apesin Olode, Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Ottaland in the Awori Kingdom, is set to begin his official cultural tour of Europe.

The purpose of this tour is to connect with his subjects and the descendants of the venerable Otta Awori Kingdom who reside outside Africa.

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The itinerary for His Majesty’s tour is as follows:

– 23rd June: Departure from Lagos to Rome.

– 24th June: Arrival in Rome.

– 24th to 27th June: Stay in Rome

– 25th June: Event at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome, where the Olota will be hosted

– 27th June: Departure from Rome to Vienna, Austria.

– Arrival in Vienna on the same day.

– 27th June: Visit to the Susan Wenger Foundation.

– 27th to 30th June: Stay in Vienna

– Events in Vienna include participation in the Nigerian Cultural Carnival and a carnival party.

– 30th June: Departure from Vienna back to Lagos.

This historic tour is a significant cultural outreach effort by the Awori monarch, aimed at strengthening the bonds between the Awori Kingdom and its diaspora in Europe.

The Olota’s visits to key cultural and diplomatic institutions highlight the importance of maintaining and celebrating Nigerian heritage abroad.

Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege’s tour will not only facilitate cultural exchange but also foster unity among the Awori people worldwide.

The planned events in Rome and Vienna will showcase the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Awori Kingdom, reaffirming its significance on the global stage.