The grand finale of activities marking the 30th Coronation Anniversary of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP, Ogbagba Agbaotewole, was held on Saturday at the Ajalorun Palace, with prominent personalities from across the country rallying support for the development of the ancient town.
The event, which marked the climax of a week-long celebration commemorating the monarch’s three decades on the throne, featured a fundraising gala for the proposed N1 billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects and the relaunch of the book, Destined for the Throne.
Leading the list of donors was eminent Nigerians with massive donations towards the Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects and others in Ijebu Ife community.
Among the prominent personalities present at the event were renowned insurance magnate, businessman, and philanthropist, Chief Kensington Adebutu, the Odole Oodua, who was represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso; Chief Olalajulo Bode Ogunlana, the Asiwaju of Ijebuland; Alhaji Dr. Sulaimon Adebola Adegunwa, represented by Dr. Tayo Lawal; Senator Lekan Mustapha; and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu.
Also in attendance were Prince Bisi Olatilo; the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government; the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Adetutu Oyesanya; members of the Siwoniku Family; descendants of the Olufowobi Family; and several other distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife, all of whom contributed to the success of the fundraising effort.
The celebration attracted an impressive array of traditional rulers from within and outside Ogun State, including the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, the Elese of Ilese Ijebu and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, among several other royal fathers.
A major highlight of the occasion was the relaunch of Destined for the Throne, a publication chronicling the life, leadership journey and accomplishments of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, as well as aspects of the history and development of Ijebu-Ife.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides,” also featured colourful cultural displays, while legendary Juju maestro, Sir Shina Peters, thrilled guests with captivating performances that added colour, excitement and rich musical entertainment to the historic occasion.
Activities held during the week included an interfaith prayer session, an educational programme for pupils and students, a historical symposium titled “The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date,” installation of chiefs and honorary title holders, the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed New Ijebu-Ife Town Reserve Area, and the commissioning of a 40-computer ICT Centre at Christ Anglican Primary School.
Speaking earlier on the significance of the anniversary, Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, described the reign of Oba Oguntayo as one characterised by peace, unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and community development.
He said the legacy development initiative was conceived to mobilise resources for strategic projects capable of transforming Ijebu-Ife and positioning the community for greater growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
For many participants, the grand finale represented not only a celebration of the monarch’s 30-year reign but also a renewed commitment to the unity, progress and sustainable development of Ijebu-Ife.
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