All is set for the Centenary Celebration of
the return of Okeho to its original site from the old site. The event holds
from October 20 -28, 2017. Okeho, the headquarters of Kajola Local Government,
Oyo State, had existed for more than three centuries at the present location
before our forefathers were forced to migrate to the old site (Okeho Ahoro) for security reasons due to
incessant raids by the slave traders from Dahomey (now Republic of Benin) and
the attacks by Fulani warriors.
When the time was auspicious, our
forefathers were compelled by the Colonial Administrator, Captain Ross, to
relocate to the original settlement. This was after a bloody civil disorder on
October 19, 1916. The incident was a revolt against forced labour, strange
customs and conventions introduced by the colonial administration. After the riot was quelled, the people of
Okeho started returning to the present location (the original settlement) and
in early 1917, they had fully resettled.
The community believes the occasion calls
for celebration because we have lived together for 100 years at the present
location without threat from internal or external sources. The celebration is
not just about entertainment; it is a platform to project the image of Okeho in
the consciousness of the people within and outside the community and to
rekindle the bond of friendship and communality that has always existed among
our people.
To mark this historic event, the Planning
Committee has drawn up a nine day programme of events spanning October 20 – 28,
2017. The programme include visit to the old site, cultural display, peoples
parliament, football match, lecture, symposium, merit awards and conferment of
chieftaincy tittles.
On the final day of the celebration (October
28, 2017), a book Okeho in History by
Professor Segun Gbadegesin, the Asiwaju of Okeho would be launched. Asiwaju
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chief Launcher.
Dignitaries expected at the occasion
include Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi
Olayiwola Adeyemi III, former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala
and Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu.
Leke
Salaudeen
Chairman, Publicity Committee
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