The ancient town of Ido-Oko Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State has officially inaugurated the planning committee for the 5th Ido-Oko Ijesa Day celebration, alongside the launch of a ₦500 million development fund aimed at accelerating growth and infrastructure in the community.
The inauguration ceremony, held yesterday, was led by the Ado-Oko of Ido-Oko Ijesa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Babatunde Adedeji, and witnessed the presence of traditional chiefs, sons and daughters of the town, media personnel, and dignitaries from across Osun State.
In his address, Oba Adedeji described Ido-Oko Ijesa as a proud and culturally rich community in Obokun Local Government, blessed with a deeply rooted heritage and a resilient spirit of communal advancement.
“Since the first celebration in 1993, Ido-Oko Ijesa Day has become more than just an annual event. It is a sacred tradition a celebration of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going. It is a time to reconnect, revive, and reinvest in the future of our land,” the monarch said.
Highlighting the impact of past editions, the Ado-Oko noted several milestones achieved through collective efforts, including:
The official commissioning of the community multipurpose town hall in 2006, funded by proceeds from earlier editions of the event.
The rehabilitation and maintenance of intra- and inter-community roads.
Maintenance of Ilumefa Community High School, established in 1980.
Overall beautification of the town.
These accomplishments were achieved during the reign of Oba Joseph Adeteju Adeyeye, the former Ado-Oko of Ido-Oko Ijesa, and under the leadership of Pa. Samuel Ayoade Dada, the former National President of the Ido-Oko Ijesa Progressive Union.
Oba Adedeji stated that the upcoming 5th Ido-Oko Ijesa Day and the launch of the ₦500 million development fund would mark a new era in the town’s history. Scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, the celebration promises to be the most ambitious yet, with a series of engaging activities and bold objectives.
Key Events:
Friday, November 14, 2025: Conferment of honorary titles on distinguished individuals from outside the community who have significantly supported Ido-Oko Ijesa.
Saturday, November 15, 2025: The grand celebration of Ido-Oko Ijesa Day and official launch of the ₦500 million development fund.
Objectives of the 5th Ido-Oko Ijesa Day Celebration:
1. Mobilization of Sons and Daughters: To encourage collective efforts for the town’s accelerated development.
2. Social Interaction: To foster unity and connection among indigenes and friends of the town.
3. Modern Palace Project: To raise funds for building a befitting royal palace as a symbol of pride and unity.
4. Youth Education & Skill Development: To support initiatives that empower youths, the future leaders of the community.
5. Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Clean Energy: To improve access to clean water, quality healthcare, and renewable energy solutions.
Additionally, the Federation of Ido-Oko Ijesa Students’ Union will be inaugurated on Friday, November 14, 2025, as part of the youth-focused initiatives.
Oba Adedeji called on all sons and daughters of Ido-Oko Ijesa, as well as well-wishers, to rally around this noble cause, emphasizing that the celebration is not just about fundraising but a “bold declaration that Ido-Oko Ijesa is rising not by waiting for help, but through self-help, partnership, and visionary planning.”
Speaking at the event, Omo Oba Ademola Adeyeye, National President of the Ido-Oko Ijesa Progressive Union, described the inauguration of the committee as a mark of trust.
“Your assignment is one of legacy. The task ahead is enormous, but I have no doubt in your ability to deliver a celebration worthy of our people and a blueprint for development,” he said.
He also drew attention to an urgent community concern the uncommissioned Federal Primary Health Centre completed in 2008 and equipped with ultra-modern facilities in 2024, including a Mikano generator, which remains non-functional.
“We have knocked on doors and reached out across government circles without result,” Adeyeye lamented. “Today, we once again make a passionate appeal especially to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Honourable Busayo Oluwole Oke, our voices in the Senate and House of Representatives, and to the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and ensure that this vital health project is activated for the benefit of our people.”
Adeyeye commended Oba Michael Babatunde Adedeji for his exemplary leadership and expressed gratitude to the chiefs, elders, youths, and members of the National Executive Council of the Ido-Oko Ijesa Progressive Union for their unwavering dedication.
“This is our moment,” he declared. “Let us rise together and build a future that generations yet unborn will be proud of.”
He concluded by appreciating members of the press for their presence and support, saying, “May God Almighty bless, guide, and prosper you and your households.”
The ancient town proudly unveiled its Planning Committee as part of efforts to ensure the successful hosting of the celebration and the launch of a ₦500 million development fund. The committee comprises eminent sons and daughters of Ido-Oko Ijesa, each assigned critical responsibilities to guarantee a smooth and impactful event.
Planning Committee Members and Their Roles:
1. Mabayoje Francis Daramola – Overseer / General Coordinator of All Committees
2. Samuel Adenipekun – Chairman, Subcommittee on Program, Secretariat, Beverages & Drinks
3. Wole Olaosebikan – Chairman, Subcommittee on Finance & Special Guests
4. Toba Komolafe – Chairman, Subcommittee on Musical Band, Contact Group & MC
5. Adeboye Agbogungboro – Chairman, Subcommittee on Media & Publicity
6. Adetomi Olaniran (née Olajide) – Chairperson, Subcommittee on Protocol, Decoration & Procurement
7. Mayowa Ariyo – Chairman, Subcommittee on Student Association Launch
8. Adekusibe Adeyeye – Chairman, Subcommittee on Invitation & Access Cards
9. Babatunde Ogundipe – Chairman, Subcommittee on Palace Square, Guest Welfare, Security & Traffic
10. Timothy Areola – Chairman, Subcommittee on Venue & Musical Equipment (Friday Only)
11. Tunji Agbaje – Chairman, Mobilization Subcommittee 1 (Lagos & Oyo)
12. Olawoyin Omoniyi – Chairman, Mobilization Subcommittee 2 (Lagos)
13. Kayode Adeyeye – Chairman, Mobilization Subcommittee 3 (Outside Osun State)
14. Isaac Alonge – Chairman, Mobilization Subcommittee 4 (Ibadan Axis)
15. Muyiwa Ilesanmi – Chairman, Subcommittee on Paramilitary Security
16. Seun Adedeji – Chairman, Subcommittee on Social Media, Documentation & Photography
17. Sunday Adepoju – Chairman, Subcommittee on Honorary Chiefs
18. Hon. Dosu Komolafe – Chairman, Subcommittee on Idooko Home Affairs
19. Sola Fadairo (née Agbogungboro) – Chairperson, Subcommittee on Medical Services & Catering
20. Seun Olaosebikan – Chairman, Subcommittee on Environment & Sanitation
21. Adewale Areola – Chairman, Subcommittee on Traditional Chiefs
22. Banke Awosika (née Adeyeye) – Chairperson, Subcommittee on Essay Competition for SSS 2 & 3 (Ilunfeda Community High School)
23. Ropo Ogundipe – Chairman, Subcommittee on Youth Mobilization
24. Ebenezer Agbogungboro – Chairman, Subcommittee on Idooko Indigenes in Ilesa
25. Tosin Babatunde – Chairman, Subcommittee on Event Marketing
26. Abosede Olajide – Chairperson, Subcommittee on Cultural Troupe
27. Adetokunbo Adeyeye – Coordinator, Members in Diaspora
28. Chief (Mrs.) Bunmi Ariyo – Coordinator, Idooko Market Women
29. Mr. Abolaji Tunde – Coordinator, Idooko Farmers Assembly
30. Chief Sunday Ogundipe – Logistics Coordinator
The committee is expected to work tirelessly in the coming weeks to deliver a memorable celebration that reflects the pride, unity, and aspirations of Idooko Ijesa. The 5th Idooko Ijesa Day promises not only to showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage but also serve as a rallying point for development through the planned ₦500 million community fund launch.
