Mamora Unveils ₦1bn Legacy Projects as Ajalorun Marks 30 Years on the Throne

Mamora Unveils ₦1bn Legacy Projects as Ajalorun Marks 30 Years on the Throne.

Former Senator and ex-Minister of State for Health, Senator Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, has unveiled a weeklong programme of activities to commemorate the 30th Coronation Anniversary of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, describing the celebration as a reflection of three decades of impactful leadership, community development and royal stewardship.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Ajalorun Palace, Ijebu-Ife, on Sunday, Senator Mamora, who chairs the 30th Anniversary Planning Committee, said the celebration would not merely mark the longevity of the monarch’s reign, but would also celebrate thirty years of peace, progress, cultural preservation and transformational leadership.

According to him, the anniversary is in honour of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP, Ogbagba Agbaotewole, the 42nd Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, whose reign since ascending the throne in 1996 has continued to shape the fortunes of the community positively.

Mamora expressed appreciation to community leaders, government officials, traditional institutions, corporate organisations and other stakeholders for supporting preparations toward what he described as a historic celebration.

He noted that under the monarch’s leadership, Ijebu-Ife has witnessed significant growth in community development, educational advancement, youth empowerment, cultural promotion and preservation of traditional values.

“The theme of this anniversary, Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides, reflects not only the remarkable journey of our revered monarch but also the collective achievements of the people of Ijebu-Ife over the last thirty years,” he stated.

The committee chairman announced that activities marking the anniversary would run from Monday, June 1 to Saturday, June 6, 2026, with programmes specifically designed to celebrate heritage, promote development and foster unity among the people.

Activities began on Monday with an Anniversary Opening Prayer Session featuring representatives of different faiths praying for peace, progress and prosperity in Ijebu-Ife. The event is scheduled to hold at the Legacy Hall within the Ajalorun Palace.

Attention will shift to younger generations on Tuesday with an Educational Programme involving pupils and students from primary and secondary schools across Ijebu-Ife and neighbouring communities.

A major intellectual highlight of the anniversary comes up on Wednesday with a symposium and book launch. The symposium, titled “The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date,” will provide historical insights into the institution, while the day will also witness the unveiling of the book, “Destined for the Throne: The Biography of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP and the Story of Ijebu-Ife.”

On Thursday, deserving sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife and other distinguished personalities will be honoured through installation ceremonies as Otunbas and Chiefs.
Friday’s activities are expected to focus heavily on development initiatives, beginning with the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Ijebu-Ife Town Reserve Area, a project aimed at facilitating future expansion and orderly development within the community.

Also scheduled for Friday are a Jumat service at the Ijebu-Ife Central Mosque and the commissioning and launching of a 40-Computer ICT Centre at Christ Anglican Primary School.

Mamora described the ICT project as a strategic investment in the educational and technological future of children within the community.
The celebrations will climax on Saturday with a grand finale and fundraising gala aimed at mobilising resources for the proposed ₦1 billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects.

According to Mamora, the initiative is designed to finance strategic developmental projects capable of transforming Ijebu-Ife and improving the quality of life of residents.
“We invite corporate organisations, philanthropists, public office holders and friends of Ijebu-Ife to partner with us in this noble endeavour,” he said.

The grand finale, expected to attract eminent personalities from across Nigeria and the diaspora, will also feature colourful cultural displays and a special performance by legendary musician Sir Shina Peters and his Afro Juju Band.

Activities will formally conclude on Sunday, June 7, with a thanksgiving service at the Anglican Church, Ijebu-Ife.

Mamora assured that the planning committee remains committed to delivering a befitting celebration that reflects the dignity of the throne, the rich cultural heritage of Ijebu-Ife and the remarkable accomplishments recorded under the monarch’s reign.

He subsequently called on sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife, development partners, friends of the community and members of the public to join in celebrating what he described as a remarkable milestone in the history of the ancient town.