Prominent Nigerians Celebrate Oba Oguntayo’s 30th Anniversary, Donate Towards Ijebu-Ife Development

Prominent Nigerians Celebrate Oba Oguntayo’s 30th Anniversary, Donate Towards Ijebu-Ife Development

By Charles Segun Adegbite 

Prominent Nigerians from different walks of life gathered in Ijebu-Ife on Saturday to celebrate the 30th Coronation Anniversary of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo Ogbagba Agbaotewole, while also demonstrating strong support for the continued development of the ancient town through generous donations.

The grand finale, held at the Ajalorun Palace, marked the climax of a week-long celebration commemorating the monarch’s three decades of leadership and service to the community. The event featured a fundraising gala in support of the proposed N1 billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects, alongside the relaunch of the book, Destined for the Throne.

Several distinguished Nigerians contributed significantly towards the legacy projects and other developmental initiatives aimed at accelerating growth within the Ijebu-Ife community.

Among the dignitaries present were renowned insurance magnate, businessman and philanthropist, Chief Kensington Adebutu, 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.

Others in attendance 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 numerous sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife who contributed to the success of the fundraising efforts.

The celebration also witnessed the presence of several traditional rulers from within and beyond 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 many other royal fathers.

One of the major highlights of the event was the relaunch of Destined for the Throne, a publication that documents the life, leadership journey, and achievements of Oba Oguntayo, while also reflecting on the history and development of Ijebu-Ife.

With the theme, “Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides,” the anniversary celebration featured colourful cultural performances and entertainment. Legendary Juju musician, Sir Shina Peters, thrilled guests with energetic performances that added glamour and excitement to the historic gathering.

Activities lined up for the week-long celebration included an interfaith prayer session, educational programmes for pupils and students, a historical symposium titled “The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date,” installation ceremonies for 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.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, described Oba Oguntayo’s reign as one defined by peace, unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and sustained community development.

According to him, the Legacy Development Initiative was designed to mobilise resources for strategic projects capable of transforming Ijebu-Ife and positioning the community for greater growth and prosperity.

For many attendees, the celebration represented more than a commemoration of three decades on the throne; it symbolised renewed commitment towards unity, progress, and the sustainable development of Ijebu-Ife.

— Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel