Ilaa-Ijesa Kingdom, Atakumosa West Local Governmet, in Osun State on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, rolled out the drums to celebrate Ilaa-Ijesa Day 2026, a grand event tagged “Development Fund-Raising and Installation of Eminent Chiefs,” with a target of raising ₦100 million for critical community development projects.
The colourful ceremony was held at the St. James Anglican Primary School Field, Ilaa-Ijesa, and attracted royal fathers, government officials, political leaders, sons and daughters of the community, as well as guests from across Ijesaland.
New Chiefs Installed
As part of the celebration, the Alaa-in-Council formally installed five eminent personalities into the Ilaa-Ijesa traditional chieftaincy institution. Those installed are:
Prince Ayinde Ademuyiwa Haastrup, as Oba Olu-Omi Funfun of Ilaa-Ijesa
Mr. Bode Olatunde, as Apesin-Ola of Ilaa-Ijesa
Asake Aborisade Temilade Aluko, as Yeye Osun of Ilaa-Ijesa
Mrs. Funmilayo Alokaloko Fadipe, as Erelu Atuluse of Ilaa-Ijesa
Mr. Omilani Ifatayese, as Baasegun of Ilaa-Ijesa
The newly installed chiefs paid homage to the throne amid cheers and traditional rites.
Call for Community Development Support
In his welcome address, the Alaa of Ilaa-Ijesa passionately appealed for generous donations to support ongoing and proposed landmark projects in the community, including the completion of the Ilaa-Ijesa Police Station and the construction of a 20,000-capacity ultra-modern town hall.
Speaking on behalf of the Ilaa-Ijesa Progressive Union, its President, Mr. Samuel Ayobolu, expressed profound gratitude to God for the success of the event and the opportunity for the people to gather in peace and good health.
He described the fund-raising as a historic opportunity for indigenes and friends of Ilaa-Ijesa to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the kingdom, stressing that impactful contributions to community growth leave an enduring legacy.
Royal Endorsements and Donations
Chairman of the occasion, Oba Engr. Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, described the Alaa as a pleasant and dutiful monarch whose leadership has earned widespread respect across Ijesaland. He noted that this was one of the key reasons many traditional rulers honoured the event with their presence and made generous donations.
Several monarchs, individuals, and groups made financial contributions toward the development fund during the event.
Dignitaries and Entertainment
The celebration was further enlivened by a live musical performance from popular Fuji maestro Abass Akande Obesere, who thrilled guests on the bandstand.
The Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Dosu Babatunde, represented the State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
The Royal Father of the Day was His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
Other distinguished guests included several Ijesaland monarchs such as Oba Hezekiel Adeniyi Owolola, the Adimula of Ifewara; Oba Omokehinde Oyebade, the Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa; and Oba Cornelius Omisade Agboluaje, the Oloja of Ibodi, High Chief Hannah Bolanle Ojo, Arise of Ilesa and Yeyesogbas.
Political leaders in attendance included Hon. Dare Ajimobi, Executive Chairman of Atakumosa West Local Government; Hon. Sanmi Areoye, member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Atakumosa West and East Constituency; Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, and Hon. Wale Adedoyin, among others.
Ilaa-Ijesa Day 2026 was widely described as a successful blend of tradition, unity, and development-driven vision, reinforcing the community’s resolve to pursue lasting progress through collective effort.
More Photos: Coverage Script ✍️ Camera 📸 Credit Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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