DAY 4 – Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi @ 70: A DAY OF COMPASSION AND CULTURAL SPLENDOUR

 

Monday, 20th October, 2025

Morning Visit to the Less Privileged at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa

Time 10:00 AM

Cultural Day

Venue: Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre, Ilesa

Time: 1:00 PM

Day 4 of the 70th birthday celebration of Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, will be a day that reflects two defining pillars of his life; compassion for the less privileged and an enduring love for the cultural heritage of Ijesaland.

The morning will begin with a heartfelt visit to the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, at 10:00 AM, where Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, accompanied by family, friends, and well-wishers, will extend a helping hand to patients in dire need, particularly those unable to offset their medical bills and, as a result, detained in the hospital.

In his characteristic manner, this intervention will go beyond the settlement of outstanding payments; it will be an act of deep humanity, restoring dignity, hope, and relief to individuals and families burdened by the weight of financial hardship in times of illness. This gesture will further underscore his belief that good health and human dignity are rights that should not be denied to anyone, and also a reassurance that no one in the community should suffer or remain in distress due to financial constraints.

As the sun shifts to the afternoon, the celebrations will burst into colour, rhythm, and tradition with a Grand Cultural Day at the Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre, Ilesa, starting at 1:00 PM. This will be no ordinary cultural gathering, it will be a multidimensional display of the rich artistic expressions that define Ijesaland and Yoruba heritage.

The event will feature an exhilarating mix of performances, including:

• Onilu Gangan - The talking drum master, speaking the language of rhythm.

• Iwure – Traditional blessings for prosperity and longevity.

• Ewi Ijesa – Poetic recitations in the unique Ijesa style.

• Ijala – Hunters’ chants, steeped in history and courage.

• Ibembe – Soulful call-and-response rhythms.

• Aladamo – Energetic dance rooted in cultural storytelling.

• Ilu Egungun – The mystique of ancestral masquerade drumming

• Onilu Ode – Traditional Yoruba drums that are central to ceremonies for masquerade drumming and dancing performances.

Beyond the captivating performances, guests will also be treated to the delights of authentic cultural cuisine. Traditional meals such as Akara (bean cake), Ekuru, Muke Elewe, Kango, Asaro (yam porridge), accompanied by Emu (palm wine), other local delicacies, and refreshing drinks will be served in an atmosphere of joy, camaraderie, and festivity. This culinary experience will not only tantalize the taste buds but also reinforce the essence of togetherness and shared heritage that defines the Ijesa spirit.

Artists and cultural custodians will bring these elements to life, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the diversity, depth, and beauty of our traditions. Through these two events, the morning’s compassionate outreach and the afternoon’s cultural showcase, Day 4 will embody the essence of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi’s legacy: a leader who nurtures his people not only through acts of kindness and social responsibility but also by preserving and promoting the timeless cultural heritage of Ijesaland.

Friends, families, and all lovers of culture are warmly invited to join the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, for this day that begins with acts of kindness and ends with a festival of heritage.

 

Sir Folu Olamiti

Chairman,

Planning Committee on Media & Publicity