By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
No fewer than 400 children benefited from the second edition of the Queen’s Christmas Carol and Children’s Funfair organised by the wife of the Olubaka of Oka, Olori Adejumoke Adeleye.
The event, held on Wednesday at the palace of the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Dr Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, featured carol renditions, games and the presentation of gifts to children drawn from different parts of the community.
Highlights of the programme included games and raffle draws, during which cash prizes of N20,000 were awarded to both children and adults who participated in the Queen’s Lucky Dip.
Speaking at the event, Olori Adeleye described the Queen’s Christmas Children’s Funfair as a joyous celebration designed to glorify God and spread the spirit of Christmas among children and the wider community.
Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, she said, “This is the second time I will be talking about my reasons for organising the Queen’s Christmas Children’s Funfair. I was born and brought up in Ado-Ekiti. During my time, Father Christmas celebrations were not common in such areas, so I did not have the opportunity to attend any.
“When I got to tertiary institution, I usually listened to my friends say they attended Father Christmas events, that their parents took them to Father Christmas and to Kingsway, and I was unable to contribute to such discussions.”
She added, “As I grew older, I made sure my children attended most Father Christmas celebrations every year. I usually take them out because I did not want them to miss what I missed when I was young.
“Again, by virtue of my marriage, I found myself in Oka, this peaceful abode, Oka-Akoko, a beautiful town topographically situated on the mountains.
“I said to myself, how can we in Oka, where most people are farmers, find time to do this, I asked myself what I could do to help the children while their parents are not around, and I decided to act, with God’s help.”
She further explained that divine inspiration led to the birth of the programme, saying, “The Holy Spirit told me that I must organise Christmas carols and a children’s funfair, and that was the beginning of the children’s funfair.”
Also speaking, the Olubaka of Oka Land, Oba Dr Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, commended his wife for the initiative, noting that the gesture had further strengthened unity in Akoko South West Local Government Area.
The monarch urged residents to maintain peace during the festive period and cautioned against the use of knockouts and other dangerous fireworks.
“You can see monarchs and many chiefs here for the carol. This shows that we are united and enjoying peace together. On this note, I urge our people in Oka to avoid using knockouts during the festive period,” the Olubaka said.
The Lord Bishop of the Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Ven. J.O.B. Bada, who delivered the exhortation at the carol service, also commended Olori Adeleye for organising the event, while calling on residents to celebrate Christmas modestly and in love.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the cash awards, Akerele Opemipo and Busuyi Olaide, expressed gratitude to the organiser, saying, “We are grateful to mummy for organising this event, and we pray that God will continue to bless her and her family. We say a big thank you to her.”
The event was attended by royal fathers and political stakeholders, including the Alale of Akungba Land, HRM Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu (Agure I); the Asin of Oka-Odo, Oba (Sir) Pius Omiyejola Akande; Dr Victor Ategbole; Akogun Olugbenga Omole, as well as notable chiefs and spiritual leaders.