Events

Legendary monarch, Kabiyesi Awujale, clocks 90 in grandstyle (Photos)

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

The ancient Ijebuland was agog, moments filled with joy, and accolades all the way for the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,GCON at the grand finale marking 90th birthday and the 64th coronation anniversary, held at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The legendary monarch, who ascended the throne on 2nd April 1960, six months before the country’s Independence and has spent 64 years on the throne, clock 90 years on earth today, 10th May, 2024.

Most Revered Royal Father, Olofin Apesin Olode, Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege Ph.D, MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode) joined eminent Nigerians, respected Royal Fathers, sons and daughters of Ijebuland and well wishers at the well attended reception marking the end of the week-long events.

In his special message to the Revered Monarch, Kabiyesi Olota described Baba Awujale as a “Game Changer.”

“Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Ninety years of age and 64 years on the throne are indeed beautiful milestones, You have, no doubt, changed the narratives of traditional rulers in Nigeria. Thank you for being a Game Changer.”

The event also welcomed the Executive Governor of Ogun State, H.E Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, H.E Olusegun Osoba, H.E Seriake Dickson, Business moguls, Aliko Dangote and Aare Razaq Okoya, among others. Other top Royal Fathers in attendance were HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle (Agunloye IV, Olu Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewaland), Oba Babatunde Ajayi (Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland), Oba Lawrence Jaiyeola Adebayo (Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo), Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba(Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye), Oba Ademola Elegushi(Elegushi of Ikateland), Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal(Oniru of Iruland), and other Revered Royal Fathers across the Country.

Long may the King reign as a beacon of tradition, hope, and progress. Kabiyesi Awujale!

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.