The rich cultural heritage of Iwoye-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State was on display on Saturday, October 28 when its sons and daughters gathered to celebrate the 9th Iwoye-Ijesa Day and fund raising in their commitment to the progress and development of their kingdom.
At the St. Thomas Primary School field, guests and those indigenous to the town at home and in the diaspora joined residents to behold a cultural spectacle, goodwill messages, honorary chieftaincy bestowment, Awards of recognition, among other thrills.
Indigenous cultural dancers thrilled guests with drumming, singing and breathtaking dance steps but alas, the main purpose was to chart a new course for development in the town as revealed by HRM Oba Adewumi Amos Ogidiolu, Otokobo II, Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa kingdom in his welcome address.
"Today, we gather to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, honour the achievements of our noble ancestors, and unite in our commitment to the progress and development of our beloved kingdom." Oniwoye declared
Speaking further, Oba Ogidiolu remarked that the occasion not only signifies the unity of Iwoye-Ijesa indigenes as a people, but it also serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to the growth and prosperity of Iwoye-ljesa, a time to reflect on the past achievements, to acknowledge the challenges that were overcome, and to envision a future filled with promise and opportunity.
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While appealing for generous donations Oniwoye said;
"I stand before you today to urge you, esteemed indigenes of lwoye-ljesa, to join hands in support of our fundraising efforts. These funds will be dedicated to initiatives that will further enhance the development of our kingdom. We aspire to improve educational opportunities, facilitate access to quality healthcare for all, promote entrepreneurship, and foster sustainable development. Your contributions will not only make a tangible difference in the lives of our people but will also symbolize your belief in our shared vision of a prosperous lwoye-ljesa Kingdom."
The President Iwoye-Ijesa Descendants Union, Prince Oluwole Oginni seized the occasion to take stock of the achievements of Iwoye-Ijesa sons and daughters at home and abroad as well as express his gratitude to God for the development of the town as he presented the request of the people from the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun state.
"We appreciate the progressive and constructive efforts of our Executive Governor of Osun State, since he took over the mantle of leadership characterized by positive changes across the State.
"Your Excellency Sir. kindly permit me to crave your indulgence to ask your humane and action Government to kindly assist Iwoye-ljesa in the following areas:
"Grading of intercity roads, construction of drainages within the town, construction of link/access roads, box culverts and bridges to enable accessibility to some newly opened up areas. Also, we need new block of classrooms at the he Apostolic Primary School, Iwoye-ljesa, while most blocks at the Iwoye-ljesa Grammar School are in dilapidated condition and need reconstruction and renovations (although individual contributions from concerned Philanthropists and Sons and Daughter of Iwoye ljesa including some old students of the school and other people have in the recent past made tangible contributions in assisting to renovate some building structures in Iwoye-ljesa Grammar School). It is however, very germane that the perimeter fencing is highly needed round the school to secure the School from intruders and hoodlums this is highly necessary. I need to emphasized at this point that we at Iwoye-ljesa require more Government patronage in such important areas like distribution of Solar powered electricity, wherever distribution of such social amenities is going on, but more often than most we are sidelined." Prince Oginni said as he appreciated the Executive and Members Iwoye-ljesa Descendants Union, the Iwoye ljesa Day Planning Committee, the Iwoye-ljesa Development Committee and the entire Sons and Daughters of Iwoye-ljesa both at home and in the Diaspora for their moral and financial support not only for this important ceremony but also for their usual untiring support for the socio-economic development of the town, anytime such clarion call was made.
Hon. Kanmi Ajibola representing Oriade State Constituency stood in for the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Oluwole Oke, who unavoidably absent.
The highlights of the occasion also featured the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles of Otunba Gbobaniyi and Yeye Otunba Gbobaniyi on Dr. Henry Gbelee and his wife Chief Mrs Kehinde Gbelee.
Also, Chief Dr. Simon Oladimeji Pinhero was honored with the chieftaincy title of Otunba Feyikogbon of Iwoye-Ijesa.
In the same vein, some illustrious sons and daughters were recognized and honored;
Category of Anniversary Awardees
1. Chief Theophilus Adenigbagbe lge - Distinguished Leadership Award
2. Chief Mrs. Felicia Babamidele Aromokudu- Excellent Award of Outstanding Leadership and woman of Virtue
3. Chief Theophilus Akande Obisesan - Award of Excellence and Service to Iwoye Kingdom
4. Prince Ayoade Adanri - Distinguished community leadership Award.
5. Pa Olutayo Osewa - Distinguished Excellent Award of Outstanding Historian
6. Mr. Femi Agunbiade- Prestigious award of Excellence as foremost Outstanding Philanthropist of the year 2022/23
Category of Post- Humous Awardees
1. Prince Okunade Ifaturoti (a.k.a Alhji) - Excellent Award for Outstanding Leadership
2. Arch. Joseph Akinola Agunbiade - Excellent Award for Education and Community Development
3. Prof. Adepoju Gabriel Onibokun -Excellent Award for Academic and Youth Empowerment
4. Ven. Adeboyejo Olubanjo Osewa Excellent Award for Selfless Service to Iwoye Ijesa and Humanity
This year’s Iwoye-Ijesa day, no doubt, attracted a large turnout of illustrious sons and daughters of the town; top government functionaries, captains of industry, high profile personalities and cultural enthusiasts.
Leading royal fathers to the event where Owa Obokun Adimula the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, HIM Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR, LLD was represented by High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe the Odole of Ilesa was the President of Ijesa North Council of Traditional rulers, HRM Oba (Dr.) Akeem Benjamin Ogungbangbe.
Other traditional rulers that in attendance included HRM Oba Emmanuel Adejoro Ofebolokun, the Alare of Ilare-Ijesa, HRM Oba Sunday Farohun, Ewi Oke-Ogun, HRM Oba Ademuyiwa Adedeji, Aringbajo of Igbajo, HRM Oba Oluwaseyi ADEOLA Adejola, Olomo of Omo-Ijesa, HRM Oba Michael Babatunde Adedeji, Ado-oko of Ido-Oko and HRM Oba Joseph Adebisi Owoeye, Olodogo of Odogbo-Ijesa.
Leading the personalities to the event was the Bobajiro of Ilesa, Chief Dideolu Falobi.
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