By: Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
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, drawing eminent personalities from across Nigeria in a show of support for the development of the ancient town.
The event, which climaxed a week-long celebration commemorating the monarch's three decades of impactful reign, featured a fundraising gala for the proposed N1 billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects as well as the relaunch of the book, Destined for the Throne.
Prominent Nigerians made substantial donations towards the legacy projects and other developmental initiatives aimed at advancing the socio-economic growth of the Ijebu-Ife community.
Among the distinguished guests at the occasion were renowned businessman, insurance magnate and philanthropist, Chief Kensington Adebutu, the Odole Oodua, 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 Oladipupo Adebutu.
Other notable attendees included 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 distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife who contributed generously to the fundraising initiative.
The celebration also attracted a large gathering 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, among other royal fathers.
A major highlight of the occasion was the relaunch of Destined for the Throne, a publication documenting the life, leadership journey, achievements, and enduring legacy of Oba Oguntayo, while also chronicling aspects of the history and development of Ijebu-Ife.
The anniversary celebration, themed "Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides," featured colourful cultural displays and traditional performances. Guests were also entertained by legendary Juju music icon Sir Shina Peters, whose electrifying performance added glamour and excitement to the historic event.
Activities lined up during the anniversary week included an interfaith prayer session, educational programmes 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 on the significance of the anniversary celebration, Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Minister of State for Health, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, described the reign of Oba Oguntayo as one distinguished by peace, unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and community development.
Mamora noted that the Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Initiative was conceived to mobilise resources for strategic projects capable of transforming the community and positioning it for sustainable growth and prosperity.
For many participants, the grand finale was not only a celebration of the monarch's remarkable 30-year reign but also a renewed commitment by stakeholders to the unity, progress, and long-term development of Ijebu-Ife.
- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel
