It was supposed to be a short, quiet, solemn ceremony before the meeting of the Board of Governors. But as it turned out the foundation stone laying event of the new assembly hall of Anglican Grammar School, AGS, Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State, was a big do. The royal touch was unmistakable. Lukman Adesola Ojo Fadipe, Olatanka III, the Owa of Otan Ayegbaju, came with a retinue of his chiefs to preside over the ceremony.
Resplendent in his royal regalia with the accompaniment of a staff and horsetail, the paraphernalia of office, Fadipe literally bent over backwards to key himself in into what he described as “the laudable project” of the day. Throughout the ceremony he radiated confidence as he espoused his determination to always support any progressive step taken in aiding the development of not only the school but his entire domain.
In his welcome address at the occasion, the chairman of the board of governors, Michael Adebisi Popoola, a Lagos-based chartered accountant and AGS old student, thanked all those who he said had participated in various events aimed at improving the lot of the school. He particularly mentioned those who donated generously during the 50th anniversary fundraiser and all the old students who still keep in touch with “their alma mater.” Then he pleaded for the need to have a very viable old students’ association, saying what the board of governors had done in organising the event of the day was as a result of the absence of a viable organisation. “We need the support and prayers of everyone that this laudable project being officially started today will be completed to the glory of God for the benefit of humanity,” he concluded.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of soccer boots by the chairman himself and a set of books by Dele Omotunde, deputy editor-in-chief of TELL. The formal presentation was, however, presided over by Titus Abiodun Oyedeji, the Obaala of Otan Ayegbaju. Among the other chiefs present at the occasion were Michael Ogundeji Ogunwole, the Obamila and Joseph Ibidapo Oke, the Osuta, both of whom are members of the AGS board of governors and who had to stay behind for the scheduled board meeting while their colleagues departed for the palace for another assignment.
It was a day! And both students and staff felt the radiance of the king as they hailed his every move.
