By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Olusegun Obasanjo will headline the Olota of Ota’s 60th birthday celebration in August 2026 as the Awori monarch unveils his official Diamond Jubilee logo and planning committee
Vice President Shettima, Obasanjo Confirmed for Olota of Ota’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Olusegun Obasanjo will lead an array of eminent Nigerians expected at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Olota of Ota, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II), as the revered Awori monarch unveiled the official logo for his 60th birthday anniversary and inaugurated a committee to coordinate the week-long festivities.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Olota’s Principal Secretary, Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, who disclosed that the celebration will hold from August 21 to August 28, 2026, in the ancient Awori town of Ota, Ogun State.
According to Olusesi, Vice President Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the grand reception, while former President Obasanjo has been named Father of the Day for what is expected to be one of the largest royal gatherings in the history of Ottaland.
Unveiling the official Diamond Jubilee logo, the palace described the design as “an elegant and masterfully crafted piece of art that eloquently captures the majesty, courage, nobility and regal essence of the Olota himself.”
“The logo stands as a visual celebration of six remarkable decades of purposeful leadership, cultural stewardship, scholarship and service to humanity,” Olusesi said.
The palace added that the gold and purple-themed insignia symbolises the strength, dignity and enduring legacy of Lanlege Ekun II while reflecting the prestige and significance of the monarch’s 60th birthday milestone.
As part of preparations for the celebration, the Olota approved the constitution of a three-member planning committee comprising Aare Ayodele Bankole, the Otun Maiyegun of Ota, as chairman; Chief Abayomi Olanrewaju Basorun, the Seriki of Ota, as member; and High Chief Adedayo Akindele Eleku, the Lisa of Ota, also as member.
Olusesi said the committee members, who are all respected members of the Olota-in-Council, have been mandated to organise “a truly royal celebration befitting a monarch whose visionary leadership has firmly placed Ottaland and the Awori Sub-Nationality in the national consciousness while projecting its heritage, identity and aspirations to audiences across Nigeria and around the world.”
The week-long programme will feature cultural displays, traditional rites, religious services, community engagements and other royal activities celebrating the life, achievements and enduring impact of the monarch.
The celebrations will climax with a grand reception on Friday, August 28, 2026, featuring legendary Fuji musician King Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), with attendance expected from top political leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, senior government officials and prominent sons and daughters of Aworiland.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State will serve as Chief Host, while Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Senator representing Ogun West and Okanlomo of Aworiland, has been named Host of the event.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, will serve as Royal Father of the Day and Chairman-at-Large.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration of Professor Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege is expected to provide a platform not only to honour the monarch’s contributions to traditional leadership and national development but also to showcase the rich cultural heritage, unity and aspirations of the Awori people and the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland.
