50th Coronation Anniversary: Olobu to Honour Gov Adeleke, Yeye Dupe, AZKOL, Ajagunnla, Others With Chieftaincy Titles

By Nafisat Arogundade, Osogbo

The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan has concluded plans for to between Chieftaincy titles on Governor Ademola Adeleke and his elder sister, Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni.

However, some Illustrious sons and daughters of Ilobu including the business mogul, Azeez Olalekan Kolade (AZKOL) and Senator representing Osun Central at the National House of Assembly, Senator Olubiyi Ajagunnla for chieftaincy would also be honoured by the traditional ruler with the Chieftaincy titles.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday held at Olobu’s Palace, the chairman of the Olobu 50th Anniversary Committee, Alhaji Abdulwahab Falowo, disclosed that the celebration is billed for two weeks.

Falowo said the celebration would encompass various events, including cultural exhibitions, sports competitions, educational initiatives, and the conferment of chieftaincy titles.

He noted that the grand finale of the celebration will hold on May 25th, 2024, at St. Paul’s Grammar School, Ilobu.

Falowo said Ilobu community has witnessed unprecedented development under the reign of Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan in the last 50 years.

According to the statement “This is a momentous occasion marking a half-century long of dedicated service, patriotic leadership, and selfless works towards the development of our community.

“Over the past five decades, His Royal Majesty has been a shining example of selflessness, compassion, and devotion to the well-being of our community. His unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ilobu has been inspiring, and his guidance has been instrumental in shaping our town into the thriving hub it is today.

“Let me inform the pressmen here that Oba Olaniyan was enthroned in 1974. To mark this milestone, the committee under my leadership has put together two-week-long events that cover culture, sports, education, conferment of chieftaincy titles, and many more. The grand finale of these activities will take place on May 25th, 2024 at the Playing Ground of St. Paul’s Grammar School, Ilobu.

“As we reflect on the past 50 years, we remember the countless achievements, breakthroughs, and triumphs that have defined Oba Olaniyan‘s reign. His Majesty’s foresight and wisdom have navigated us through times of challenges and changes, always prioritizing the betterment of our people.

“Under his reign, an Ilobu Indigene has risen to the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the number six person in the country. The rise of Ilobu indigenous in political space started with the Late Mr. Ayo Ojewumi, a brilliant member of the state cabinet in the Old Oyo State.

“We have in the recent past, produced Secretary to the Osun State Government, among other great politicians that have occupied exalted positions in Osun State and Nigeria. In Civil Service, Ilobu has recently produced a Clerk to the National Assembly, while the journey to the top echelon could be traced to the era of Alh. Jamiu Ishola Adepoju in the Civil Service of Oyo and Osun States. My humble self also rose to the position of Deputy Registrar at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

“Currently, we have Accountant-General and Auditor-General for Local Governments in Osun State, several Permanent Secretaries, and renowned business moguls, among others, who are indigenes of Ilobu.

“In the years under review, Late Asiwaju of Ilobu land, Alhaji Hassan Olasupo Arogundade reached the peak of his career by becoming the Managing Director of Trans International Bank. In the military, Ilobu currently has a son serving as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In terms of educational development, Ilobu has moved from a community with two secondary schools to seven, while we have lots of private schools in our community. The community is also housing a tertiary institution – Westland Polytechnic. No family house in Ilobu without a graduate, while several professors have also been produced in Ilobu.

“This anniversary is not only a celebration of His Majesty’s remarkable tenure but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions that make Ilobu unique. We honor the legacy of our ancestors and the resilience of our community, which has flourished under the leadership of His Royal Majesty,” he said.