By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The ancient town of Ijebu-Ife has officially unveiled a week-long programme of activities to commemorate the 30th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP, Ogbagba Agbaotewole, the 42nd Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife.
The programme was unveiled on Sunday by the Chairman of the 30th Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, during a press conference held at the Ajalorun Palace, Ijebu-Ife.
Mamora described the anniversary as a celebration of “three decades of impactful royal strides, peaceful leadership, community development, cultural preservation, and visionary stewardship” under the revered monarch.
The celebration, themed “Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides,” will hold from June 1 to June 6, 2026, with activities carefully designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ijebu-Ife, foster development, and strengthen unity among its people.
According to Mamora, Oba Oguntayo has provided exemplary leadership since ascending the throne in 1996, promoting peace, unity, and progress within the community and beyond.
“His reign has witnessed remarkable achievements in community development, educational advancement, youth empowerment, cultural promotion, and the strengthening of traditional values,” he stated.
The former minister also expressed appreciation to community stakeholders, traditional institutions, government officials, corporate organisations, and well-wishers whose support has contributed to the successful planning of the landmark celebration.
The Week-Long activities will commenced on Monday, June 1, with an Anniversary Opening Prayer Session at the Legacy Hall of the Ajalorun Palace, where Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious leaders offered prayers for continued peace, progress, and prosperity in Ijebu-Ife.
On Tuesday, June 2, pupils and students from primary and secondary schools within Ijebu-Ife and neighbouring communities will participate in an Educational Programme aimed at promoting learning and cultural awareness among the younger generation.
A major highlight of the anniversary celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 3, with a symposium and book launch titled “The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date,” will explore the historical evolution and significance of the traditional institution, while a new publication, “Destined for the Throne: The B iniography of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP and the Story of Ijebu-Ife,” will be formally unveiled.
Speaking on the importance of the symposium, Mamora stressed the need to preserve historical records and transmit historical knowledge to future generations, “A people without a history are a people without a future,” he said.
“In contemporary times, there is often insufficient attention given to the study and preservation of history. Yet history remains the foundation upon which communities build their identity, values, and aspirations.”
He noted that the symposium would help preserve the collective memory of Ijebu-Ife and deepen public understanding of the town’s rich history and traditional heritage.
Thursday, June 4, will feature the installation of distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife and other eminent personalities as Otunbas and Chiefs at the Ajalorun Palace.
Activities on Friday, June 5, will include the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Ijebu-Ife Town Reserve Area, a Jumat Service at the Ijebu-Ife Central Mosque, and the commissioning and launch of a 40-computer ICT Centre at Christ Anglican Primary School.
Mamora described the ICT Centre as a significant investment in the educational and technological future of children within the community.
The anniversary celebration will climax on Saturday, June 6, with a Grand Finale and Fundraising Gala at the Ajalorun Palace in support of the proposed ₦1 Billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects.
According to the Planning Committee Chairman, the initiative is designed to mobilise resources for strategic developmental projects capable of transforming the community and improving the quality of life of residents.
“We invite corporate organisations, philanthropists, public office holders, development partners, and all friends of Ijebu-Ife to partner with us in this noble endeavour,” he said.
The grand finale will also feature colourful cultural displays and a special musical performance by legendary Juju maestro Sir Shina Peters and his Afro Juju Band.
A thanksgiving service at the Anglican Church, Ijebu-Ife, on Sunday, June 7, will bring the celebrations to a close.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mamora disclosed that the Planning Committee intentionally ensured active participation of young people and other segments of the community in the planning and execution of the anniversary programmes.
“The youth are critical stakeholders because they represent the next generation of leaders and custodians of our heritage,” he said.
“Beyond celebrating the achievements of the last thirty years, we must also prepare for the next thirty years and beyond.”
He added that many young indigenes of Ijebu-Ife, including those residing in Lagos and in the diaspora, remain actively engaged in community affairs through various social and digital platforms.
Mamora also renewed his advocacy for the restoration of History as a subject in Nigerian schools, describing its earlier removal from the educational curriculum as a serious mistake.
“I am aware that there has been considerable agitation over the years for the restoration of History in our schools,” he said.
“Removing History from the curriculum was, in my view, a tragedy—indeed, a tragedy of monumental proportions.”
He maintained that History should be taught from the primary school level to enable children understand their roots, appreciate their heritage, and develop a stronger sense of identity.
Commenting on the historical relationship between Ijebu-Ife and the neighbouring Olode community, Mamora attributed some of the historical disparities between the two communities to colonial administrative decisions.
“The simple answer to that is colonial politics,” he remarked, noting that colonial arrangements significantly influenced the developmental trajectories of many communities across Nigeria.
Among dignitaries present at the press conference were Gbemi Onakoya, Olumide Olukoya, Akeem Adetugbobo, Salami Balogun, and Tayo Mabaweje.
Mamora assured residents that the Planning Committee remains committed to delivering a memorable celebration that reflects the dignity of the Ajalorun throne, the rich heritage of Ijebu-Ife, and the remarkable accomplishments recorded during the monarch’s three decades on the throne.
He called on sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife, development partners, and members of the public to actively participate in the historic celebration.
“May this anniversary usher in greater peace, unity, development, and prosperity for Ijebu-Ife and its people,” he concluded.
