The trio of Dr. Segun Akinlolu (Beautiful Nubia), ace cinematographer and filmmaker, Tunde Kelani (TK) and a scion of the legendary I.K Dairo, Mr Victor Dairo have been conferred with honourary chieftaincy titles by the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, HRM Oba (Engr.) Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye.
The titles were confirmed to the trio at the final burial ceremony of the late music icon, Chief (Dr.) Orlando Julius Ekemode in Ijebu-Jesa over the weekend.
Musicians from all works of life had joined the widow and the entire Ekemode family to pay their last respect to a man who gave himself to music in totality.
Oba Agunsoye who was highly elated at the honour done Chief Orlando Julius in death by the music community took to the stage to appreciate the Artists for standing by Orlando Julius while alive and even in death.
The Abikehin-Ekun Agunsoye II was particularly happy with Mr Tunde Kelani who had arrived for the burial a day to the event. He was also full of encomiums for Beautiful Nubia who just buried his mother a day before coming to perform live for Orlando Julius. And for Victor Dairo who is a nephew of OJ for standing by the legendary singer and his family.
In his response, Mainframe boss, Tunde Kelani thanked the monarch on behalf of the three. He added that the chieftaincy titles were accepted with much gratitude. The film producer expressed his surprise at the turn of events noting that they had only come to pay the last respect to a man who had inspired and impacted some of them in the entertainment industry only to be going back blessed by royalty.
Mr Victor Dairo who is also a native of Ijebu-Jesa thanked the Elegboro for the honour done them. He then pledged the support of all of them to the growth and development of Egboroland.
The widow of the music icon, Latoya Aduke who doubles as the Yeye Asa of Egboro kingdom used the avenue to appreciate the kabiyesi profusely for all the love and supports received by her husband from the monarch when he was alive. She also thanked the king for standing by her since the demise of her husband. She pledged to continually uplift the tradition and culture of Egboroland. She then announced the resolutions reached with her husband before his death to take part in the renovation of the Ijebu-Jesa Town Hall as part of her contribution to the development of the kingdom.
The new chiefs are required to liaise with the palace on the suitable time for the installation in due course.
Musicians thronged in to Ijebu-Jesa in their numbers as the remains of the Afro king and instrumentalist were committed to mother earth in his native home. Artists on hand at the event include former president of PMAN, Tee Mac, Dede Mabiaku, Afro Roy, Ileke, among others.
The late Chief (Dr.) Orlando Julius Ekemode gave so much to the world through his music and his dexterity with the instruments. He was a very humble and easy-going personality who impacted the entire world alongside his lovely wife, Latoya Aduke. Their love for progress and development of the land prompted the Elegboro to confer on OJ the title – Gbeluniyi and his wife, Yeye Asa of the kingdom.
Since returning home to Ijebu-Jesa, Orlando Julius and his wife have given so much to the promotion of culture. They are the brain behind Egboro Cultural Troupe. They also started Elegboro Easter Cantata where they bring music stars to perform live on stage during Easter festivities. Orlando Julius also helped in discovering some young music talents in Ijebu-Jesa, some of them were nurtured to greatness.