True leadership is measured not merely by titles held or honours received, but by the capacity to unify, inspire, and galvanize collective strength toward the achievement of a common purpose.
In the annals of modern Ijesaland, one towering figure who exemplifies this rare form of transformational leadership is the Asiwaju of ljesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi.
Among the numerous milestones of his visionary leadership, one of the most symbolic, monumental, and unifying achievements remains the successful mobilization of 102 illustrious and patriotic Ijesa Men and Women both at home and in the diaspora for the construction of the Ultra-Modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace, which was completed in 9-months within the peak period of COVID-19 and commissioned with grandeur and pride on Saturday, 26th December 2020.
The Need for a Palace That Reflects Royal Dignity and Cultural Identity
For centuries, the Owa Obokun Adimula of ljesaland has stood as the paramount traditional ruler of the ljesa people, a beacon of unity, heritage, and ancestral strength. However, despite the ancient prestige and cultural reverence attached to the stool, the existing palace in Ilesa was no longer reflective of the status, elegance, and evolving aspirations of the Ijesa people in the 21st century.
A visit to the old palace revealed a structure worn down by time and unable to accommodate the administrative, ceremonial, and social demands of a modern monarchy. The symbolic heart of Ijesaland was in dire need of renewal. Yet, such a transformation required not just resources but leadership. leadership that could dream, inspire, and act.
This call to action was answered by none other than Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, who, leveraging his influence, integrity, and strategic foresight, took it upon himself to rally the entire ljesa Nation around this historical cause.
The Mobilization Strategy: Unity of Purpose, Transparency of Process
The journey of establishing an Ultra-Modern Palace for the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler in ljesaland can be traced to Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi's installation as the Asiwaju of Ilesa on Saturday, 22nd October 2016 (Later Asiwaju of jesaland from Saturday 26th December, 2020).
This event marked a pivotal moment in his journey toward initiating structured development in Ijesaland. as the Asiwaju of Ilesa on Saturday, 22nd October 2016, by the highly revered late Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LL.D. The ceremony was attended by an unprecedented mammoth crowd from all walks of life, which His Imperial Majesty described as the largest turnout in his 35-year reign.
Inspired by this overwhelming support, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi resolved to justify the confidence reposed in him by that distinguished gathering. This resolve was further deepened when His Imperial Majesty personally challenged him before the audience to build an ultra-modern palace to replace the one destroyed by fire 12 years earlier.
From the very inception of the project, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi understood that this was not just about erecting a building, but it was about building a legacy, restoring cultural pride, and uniting the people around a shared dream.
With this in mind, he developed a comprehensive mobilization plan, which involved:
* Engaging His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LL.D, to receive his royal blessing and support.
* Reaching out to ljesa Sons and Daughters both at home and in the diaspora through strategic virtual meetings, online platforms, enlisting their emotional and financial investment
* Creating accountability mechanisms through open records of donations, regular updates on construction milestones, and transparent usage of all funds raised.
* Appealing to both public and private sector stakeholders, including professionals, business leaders, and philanthropists, to the palace project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give back to their roots.
Through these methods, he established a people-driven movement, not just a fundraising campaign. Ijesa Sons and Daughters across the globe began to respond with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Leadership in Action: PMT and PMEC at the Heart of Delivery
To translate vision into reality, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi anchored the project on a strong governance framework.
The Project Management Team (PMT), the coordinating committee was led by Asiwaju himself as Chairman, with Prince (Rev.) Lowo Adebiyi as Vice Chairman, Engr. Busayo Aluko as General Secretary, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola as Treasurer, and Lady Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo as Legal Adviser. This team oversaw planning, resource mobilization, and day-to-day coordination.
Complementing them was the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PMEC), chaired by Alagba Iyiola Faniyi, with Her Excellency Erelu (Dr.) Olusola Agbeja-Obada as Vice Chairperson, Engr. Yemi Oguntominiyi as General Secretary, Alhaji Lateef Bakare as Treasurer, and Engr. Bola Olowe as Assistant General Secretary. Members included Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye and Engr. Olusegun Okebiorun. The PMEC ensured quality assurance, monitored timelines, and maintained the integrity of construction standards from groundbreaking to commissioning.
Together, these two bodies working pro bono alongside architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors ensured that every stage of the project met the highest standards, without a kobo spent on professional service fees. Their efficiency and discipline not only delivered a palace of exceptional quality but also saved a surplus of N36 million from contributions, a testament to prudent financial stewardship.
Appreciation also goes to the following esteemed ICDA members; Omooba Olaniran Olayinka, Sir Supo Shadiya, Yeye Asiwaju Dr.Mrs. Olubisi Fasuyi, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Her Excellency Erelu Dr. Dame Olusola Agbeja-Obada, and Chief (Mrs) Remi Olowu, for their humongous donation towards the ultramodern palace project.
Fundraising Success: A Collective Triumph Across Borders
Thanks to the visionary leadership of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, the fundraising efforts transcended all known boundaries. Individuals, families, communities, and professional associations contributed generously.
The fundraising model, coordinated with meticulous precision, became a template for transparent community fundraising in Nigeria, further solidifying Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi's reputation as a dependable and result-oriented leader.
With the funds raised and judiciously managed, construction work on the palace commenced swiftly, involving renowned architects, heritage consultants, and local artisans, a true blend of tradition and modernity.
The Palace Project: Architecture of Royalty, Symbol of Heritage
The newly constructed Ultra-Modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace is not just a structure, it is a monumental architectural and cultural landmark. Built with state-of-the-art materials and inspired by traditional Yoruba design, the palace boasts:
* A majestic throne room worthy of the spiritual and administrative status of the Owa Obokun.
* Conference and reception halls to host local and international dignitaries.
* Modern office facilities for palace administration.
* Guest accommodations for visiting royalty and officials.
* A museum-like space dedicated to the rich history of the Ijesa Kingdom.
Video: Click on image to watch
* Beautifully landscaped environment that blend aesthetics with symbolism.
This palace now stands not only as the official residence of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, but also as a cultural centrepiece and tourist attraction, a shining embodiment of Ijesa excellence and unity.
Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi astutely managed the project with other prominent ljesa sons and daughters in the Project Management Team (PMT) and Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PMEC) without a Kobo being paid to the Architect, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Quantity Surveyor (All the Professional Services, Designs, and Supervision were done Pro Bono).
An icing on the cake in the Management of the Owa's Palace Project Fund under Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi was the saving of a surplus whopping sum of N36,000,000 (Thirty-Six Million Naira) from the financial contributions made by ljesas.
The Commissioning: A Day of Pride and Glory
On Saturday, 26th December 2020, history was made as the Ultra-Modern Owa Palace was formally commissioned in a grand celebration attended by traditional rulers, political dignitaries, ljesa Sons and Daughters from far and near, and friends of Ije saland.
The event was more than a ceremony, it was a celebration of unity, pride, and a shared future. The commissioning marked the fulfillment of a dream and the realization of a collective commitment.
At the centre of it all stood Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, acknowledged and applauded as the visionary, the mobilizer, the patriot who made it all happen.
Legacy and Long-Term Significance
The successful construction of the Ultra-Modern Owa Palace under the leadership of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi is much more than a brick-and-mortar accomplishment, it is a profound legacy Cultural renewal, reinforcing the pride of ljesa heritage among the youth and future generations.
* Community unity, reminding all Ijesa indigenes of what is possible when purpose andeffort are aligned.
* Strategic philanthropy, setting a standard for collaborative development that bridges home and diaspora.
* Good governance and accountability, showing that public trust can be harnessed and rewarded with visible results.
* More importantly, it established a blueprint for future community projects, proving that with the right leadership, Ijesaland can achieve any goal, overcome any challenge, and chart its own path to greatness.
The People's Leader, the Builder of Dreams
Through Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi's selfless dedication to the construction of the Ultra-Modern Owa Palace, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi has once again etched his name in the golden scrolls of Ijesa history. He did not wait for government intervention or foreign aid. Instead, he rallied his people, inspired their faith, confidence and delivered on a vision that now stands tall in the heart of ljesas.
Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi is not just a leader by title, he is a leader by action, sacrifice, and impact.
The Ultra-Modern Owa Palace is a permanent testament to his love for Ijesaland, his ability to unify diverse forces, and his unwavering belief in the greatness of his people.
The Palace stands. The legacy endures. The dream lives on.
VIDEO CLIPS
The owa Obokun late HIM Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR, LLM.was apparently in a joyous mood, thanked the ijesas for deeming it fit to build a befitting ultramodern palace.
Video: Click on image to watch
Video: Click on image to watch
Video: Click on image to watch
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