The week-long celebration marking the 30th Coronation Anniversary of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP, Ogbagba Agbaotewole, came to a colourful and memorable close on Saturday as prominent sons, daughters and friends of the ancient town rallied support for ambitious development projects aimed at transforming the community.
The grand finale, held at the Ajalorun Palace in Ijebu-Ife, attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, business moguls, community stakeholders and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria. Beyond celebrating three decades of royal leadership, the event became a platform for mobilising resources towards the proposed ₦1 billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects, a community-driven initiative designed to accelerate growth and infrastructural development in the historic town.
Leading the list of donors was renowned businessman and philanthropist, Chief Kensington Adebutu, who made a donation of ₦20 million through his representative, Aare Kola Oyefeso.
Also demonstrating strong support for the development vision of Ijebu-Ife was Hon. Ladi Adebutu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ogun State, who donated ₦20 million. The contribution was split into ₦10 million for the relaunch of the royal biography, Destined for the Throne, and another ₦10 million towards the Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects.
The fundraising drive equally received support from respected insurance magnate and businessman, Chief Olalajulo Bode Ogunlana, alongside several distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife who contributed generously to the development initiative.
Among notable personalities present were the Asiwaju of Ijebuland, Alhaji Dr. Sulaimon Adebola Adegunwa, represented by Dr. Tayo Lawal; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Jide Balogun, son of Late Subomi Balogun, veteran broadcaster 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 other community stakeholders committed to the town’s advancement.
The occasion also drew an impressive gathering of traditional rulers from within and outside Ogun State, including the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, the Onilese of Ilese, Onirete of Irete and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, among several other royal fathers who came to honour the monarch.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the relaunch of Destined for the Throne, a biography that chronicles the life, journey to the throne and achievements of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, while also documenting the rich history and cultural evolution of Ijebu-Ife. The publication has been widely described as an important contribution to preserving the heritage and historical identity of the ancient town.
The anniversary, themed “Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides,” showcased the remarkable transformation witnessed under the monarch’s reign, with guests treated to colourful cultural performances that reflected the rich traditions of the Ijebu people.
Adding glamour and excitement to the grand finale, legendary Juju musi icon, Sir Shina Peters, delivered a captivating performance that kept guests entertained and crowned the celebration with an atmosphere of joy and festivity.
The week-long activities featured an interfaith thanksgiving service, 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 milestone celebration, 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, stability, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and community development.
According to him, the Legacy Development Projects initiative was conceived to mobilise resources for strategic interventions capable of transforming Ijebu-Ife into a more prosperous and economically vibrant community.
For many attendees, the grand finale was more than a celebration of a monarch’s 30 years on the throne. It was a reaffirmation of unity, heritage and collective responsibility, as sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife renewed their commitment to building a stronger future for generations yet unborn.
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