By Yunus S Saliu
It was a great historical day last Saturday, 11th June 2022, when the Ariwajoye 1 of Yoruba Community in The Gambia HRH Oba (RTN) Dr. Moshood Kolawole Abolade (JP) celebrated his 10th year coronation anniversary at his palace in Paradise City, West Coast Region.
The event was graced by three different Yoruba Kings – Oba Yoruba of Republic of Ireland HRM Oba Saheed Olamilekan Ibrahim Orilobamise 1; Oba Yoruba of Netherlands HRM Adeyinka Daso Orisunmibare 1st and Oba Yoruba in Liberia HRM Oba Omobolaji Ogunkoyaoodua Obadewolu 1 and was used to lay the D10 million foundation stone of Yoruba community town secretariat in Makumbaya; launching of a book written by HRH Oba Moshood Abolade and titled The Making of a King. Also, the King used the occasion to confer chieftaincy titles on twenty-two new chiefs as part of the tradition marking the event.
The 10th year coronation was as well characterized by pomp and pageantry traditional and cultural manifestations appealing to the cultural heritage of the people of Yoruba land.
The Ariwajoye 1 of the Yoruba Community in The Gambia HRH Oba (RTN) Dr. Moshood Kolawole Abolade (JP) was crowned in The Gambia ascended the throne in June 2012 at a colorful traditional ceremony held at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The event was celebrated according to the tradition and custom of the Yorubas, and it was graced by three traditional rulers from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The crowning of Oba Moshood Kolawole Babalola Abolade was graced by the then Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia, dignitaries, Alkalolu; representatives of different Nigerian communities in The Gambia amongst others.
However, from then till date his reign has brought the Yoruba and other Nigerian communities in the Gambia to the limelight especially in terms of Nigerian culture and tradition and with different participation in the national development of the host country.
Different dignitaries including the representative of Nigeria High Commissioner to The Gambia, Obas, friends, and representatives of other Nigerian communities in the Gambia commented and rejoiced on his 10th coronation anniversary held at HRH Palace in Paradise City.
In words of appreciation the Yoruba Community in The Gambia Oba-in-Council members, executives, elders, and entire members of the Yoruba Community in The Gambia expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to The Gambia government, Nigeria High Commission, the Nigerian community in The Gambia, Rotarians, family members and friends, and all those who contributed immensely to the celebration.
