Mimiko lauds Ode-Aye at Layelu day celebration

Ode-Aye in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State was agog last Saturday when the 2011 edition of the Layelu Day took place.The ceremony marked the grand finale of a week-long events where revival of some of the cultures like Epo (A masquerade adorned with palm fronds for the female and the male adorned with palm leaves) took place. Also in the programme of events was Umale (Another type of masquerades well dressed in textiles of variety of colours with ornaments used to decorate their heads) competition among some quarters in the town.Highlight of the year's celebrations was the fund-raising for the completion of the ultra modern Oba's Palace. The event took place at the Iga Layelu (Layelu Town Hall) and was graced by dignitaries from various walks of life.Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko was represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Tayo Akinjomo.In his goodwill message, Mimiko, who appreciated initiatives of the people at complementing government efforts through self-help projects, promised to remember them always in the sharing of dividends of democracy.He called for the sustenance of the peace that has reigned in the ancient town and its adjoined communities.Oba Lawrence Omowole, the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, who said he has been a long time friend of Aye people, also applauded them for the love and oneness which existed among them.An Abuja-based Engineer, Mrs Folakemi Omogoroye-Gabriel, was the chairperson at the occasion. She expressed joy and happiness to associate with the people.In his welcome address, an Ibadan-based Medical Practitioner, Dr. Mike Adenuga, who is the President, Federation of Ode-Aye Development Association, an umbrella body for clubs and associations in Ayeland, showered praises on Governor Mimiko for his love for Aye people and the benefit derived so far from the Labour Party administration in the state.Adenuga described the appointment of one of them, Mr Wale Ogunmade as the Interim Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Okitipupa Local Government as having taken more than one step forward.Expressing his joy, he said that the people of the land had never had it so good, hoping that a lot of dividends of democracy will come to them through all the political appointees who are members of the community.He explained that all self-help projects in the community were being executed through funds generated from previous Layelu Day celebrations, promising that any money donated at the event would be judiciously spent.In his address, Oba William Akinmusayo Akinlade, Uyioba I, Halu of Aye Kingdom, also appreciated the state government, Aye sons and daughters as well as their friends who had stretched their hands of fellowship towards the development of the land and their support for his reign.
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