The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) has successfully concluded a weeklong capacity-building programme designed to deepen grassroots participation and strengthen the implementation framework of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) across Ijesaland.
The training, themed “Community Needs Identification and Appraisal for the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF)”, commenced on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Ibokun Town Hall in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State and moved across other local governments before concluding in Ilesa.
Day One: Obokun LGA Sets the Pace
The opening session at Ibokun Town Hall began with prayers led by Chief Mrs. Yemisi Falope, followed by the presentation of representatives from the 10 wards in Obokun LGA, with Wards 6, 7 and 10 absent.
The Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, led members of the management team to the event. In his welcome address, he outlined the objectives of the IDF and commended Rev. Gbenga Osungboun, Chairman of IDF in Obokun LGA, for his leadership.
Traditional rulers, community leaders and dignitaries attended in large numbers, underscoring strong royal and grassroots support for the initiative.
Asiwaju Fasuyi recalled that the IDF, launched on October 21, 2025, was conceived as a ward-based, inclusive and decentralised development framework aimed at ensuring sustainable growth across Ijesaland. He noted that previous development efforts had only 615 contributors out of an estimated population of 1,299,390, stressing the need for broader participation.
He highlighted key projects executed through ICDA contributions, including the ultra-modern Owa Obokun Adimula Palace, the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre, scholarship schemes for indigent students and agricultural training initiatives.
A major highlight was a presentation by Prof. Niyi Okunlola, Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Akure and World Bank consultant, who delivered an in-depth lecture on community needs identification and assessment, introducing practical tools such as checklists and ranking matrices.
Day Two: Strong Stakeholder Turnout in Atakumosa East
The programme continued on Tuesday, February 10, at Iperindo Community Hall in Atakumosa East Local Government Area.
The Tirimi of Iperindo, Oba Adedeji Olusegun Ogunleye, Atobatele II, urged residents to support the IDF through regular contributions and commended Asiwaju Fasuyi for his development-driven leadership.
Prof. Okunlola again emphasised participatory planning, stressing that development must be data-driven, inclusive and culturally sensitive to ensure sustainability.
The session attracted IDF executives from all ten wards, traditional rulers, Polaris Bank officials and other stakeholders.
Day Three: Massive Royal Presence in Oriade
On Wednesday, February 11, the training moved to Ijebu-Jesa Town Hall in Oriade Local Government Area, where representatives from all 12 wards participated.
Royal fathers across the council area commended the IDF initiative, describing it as a catalyst for balanced development across the six local government areas of Ijesaland.
They praised the collaboration between ICDA and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland and urged affluent sons and daughters of Ijesaland to support the fund.
Asiwaju Fasuyi reiterated that the IDF is designed to empower wards to identify and prioritise their development needs, ensuring community ownership and accountability.
Day Four: Ambassadors Announced in Atakumosa West
The fourth session held on Thursday, February 12, at Osu Town Hall in Atakumosa West LGA witnessed another impressive turnout of traditional rulers and community leaders.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of IDF “Ambassadors” — individuals who contributed a minimum of ₦1 million to each of the six local government areas.
Recognised ambassadors include:
Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III – ₦6 million
Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi – ₦6 million
Mr. Supo Shadiya – ₦6 million
Sir Olalekan Oyeleye – ₦6 million
Dr. Ademola Aladekomo – ₦6 million
Dame Erelu Olusola Obada – ₦6 million
The donations are expected to significantly strengthen the financial base of the IDF for impactful, community-driven projects.
Asiwaju Fasuyi also disclosed details of a ₦100 million revolving loan scheme for cooperative societies, facilitated through the Osun State Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment. The scheme is backed by ₦68 million from ICDA and ₦32 million from the Owa Obokun, with Ijesaland emerging as the first beneficiary in the state.
Grand Finale in Ilesa
The weeklong programme concluded on Friday at Aromolaran Event Centre for participants from Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas.
Throughout the sessions, expert lectures, interactive discussions and cooperative society formation briefings were delivered to equip ward executives with practical tools for needs assessment, project prioritisation and sustainable development planning.
A Decisive Step Toward Grassroots Development
The weeklong exercise marks a decisive step by ICDA toward institutionalising decentralised and inclusive development across Ijesaland.
By strengthening ward-level structures, encouraging community ownership and mobilising financial contributions, the ICDA has positioned the Ijesa Development Fund as a strategic vehicle for sustainable growth, economic empowerment and balanced development across the region.
Ijesa Community Development Assembly Parades Top Dignitaries, Monarchs, Stakeholders at IDF Capacity-Building Training
The weeklong capacity-building programme of the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) witnessed the presence of an impressive array of traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and development experts across the six local government areas of Ijesaland.
Key ICDA Leadership in Attendance
The Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, led the delegation throughout the engagements. He was accompanied by prominent ICDA management members including:
Alagba Wale Idowu
Chief Afolabi Igbaroola
Dr. George Adigun Adewoye
Prince Akin Olatunbosun
Mr. Bukola Fadipe
Erelu Jumoke Olafadehan
Prince Demola Adeyeye
Dr. Toyin Olalemi
Rev. Lowo Adebiyi
Chief Mrs. Yemisi Falope
Obokun LGA: Strong Traditional and Executive Presence
At the Ibokun Town Hall, the training drew royal fathers and community leaders including:
HRM Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro, Alademure of Ibokun
HRM Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Owa Ooye of Imesi-Ile
HRM Oba Adejoro Otebolaku, Owalare of Ilare
HRM Oba Isiaka Jimoh Adesina, Alase of Ilase
HRM Oba Michael Babatunde Adedeji, Adooko of Idooko-Ijesa
HRM Oba Edward Adebayo Adetimo, Olomu of Ijaregbe
HRM Oba Emmanuel Adejoro Otebolaku, Owalare of Ilare
IDF Executives for Obokun LGA present included:
Rev. Gbenga Osungboun (Chairman)
Apostle Asaolu James (Vice Chairman)
Mrs. Famakinde Adenike (Secretary)
Chief Olayiwola Abesin (Financial Secretary)
Mr. Ojo Solomon (Treasurer)
Mr. Eniola Rotimi (Project Officer)
Mr. Adetayo Adeyemi (Assistant Financial Secretary)
Mr. Fatila Oyeyemi (Assistant General Secretary)
Chief Oladejo Ojo (Assistant Treasurer)
Other dignitaries included Bishop Adewale, President of the Ibokun Indigenous Association; Prof. Niyi Okunlola, Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Akure and World Bank consultant; and Mrs. Omotoso Grace Eniola, Special Assistant to the Governor of Osun State on Cooperative and Empowerment.
Atakumosa East: Monarchs Rally Behind IDF
At Iperindo Community Hall, royal fathers in attendance included:
HRM Oba Adedeji Olusegun Ogunleye (Atobatele II), Tirimi of Iperindo
Other traditional rulers from Atakumosa East included:
Oba Ajilore Aseyori, Oloke of Temidayo
Oba Olasupo Olowu, Owu Ajegunle Ijesa
Oba A. O. Fagbami, Olomi Odo of Omi Odo
Oba Basiru Onigbogi, Olawada of Owada Ijesa
Oba Ademiju Omokehinde Adifagberu, Arogbo of Irogbo
Oba Adekanmi Ajijola, Olutedo of Oloruntedo-Ijesa
Oba Joshua Jegede, Agbagiri of Igbagiri
Oba Abiola Ilesanmi, Lukerede Onikajola Bowaje Ijesa
Oba Olufemi Olayinka, Oluodo of Odo-Ijesa
Oba Kehinde Adebowale Taiwo, Onitiye Adimula of Idado-Ijesa
Oba Oyebode Oluwaloni Aluko, Olusogo of Olorunsogo-Ijesa
Oba Kehinde Samson Abejide Teniola (JP)
Oba Samuel Adekunle Adelola, Akoromoja of Ikoromaja
Oriade LGA: Massive Royal Turnout
At Ijebu-Jesa Town Hall, the event was hosted by:
Oba Engr. Olufemi Agunsoye, Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa
Other monarchs present included:
Oba Saliu Apoti, Ajagunla of Apoti
Oba Aderogba Akinbayode, Alapeju of Ilupeju, Ipetu-Ijesa
Oba Dr. Akeem Ogungbangbe, Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa
Oba Dr. Fagbeyide Akinola, Alayetoro of Ayetori-Ijesa
Oba Adeshina Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi, Onitegun of Itegun-Ijesa
Oba Augustine Alawolodu Olanipekun, Elere of Ere-Ijesa
Oba Sunday Farohun, Ewi Oke-Ogun
Oba Ogungbemi Abimbola, Alarobole of Arobole Omo-Ijesa
Oba Titus Oladele Bejide, Olu of Afinbiokin
Oba Adebisi Owoeye, Olodogo of Odogo-Ijesa
Oba Julius Oluropo Fatanmi, Olura of Ira
Oba Amos Adewumi Ogidiolu, Onitiye of Iwoye-Ijesa
Oba Abdullateef Adebayo Sarumi, Olu of Orisunbare Jubrila, Ipetu-Ijesa
Atakumosa West: Royal Council Backs Initiative
At Osu Town Hall, the following royal fathers were in attendance:
Oba Omisade Agboluaje, Looja of Ibodi
Oba Dr. Adewale Ojarotade, Alaa of Ilaa-Ijesa
Oba David Olaniyi Adewumi, Oba Imoro-Ijesa
Oba Stephen Babatunde Aluko, Oniberekodo-Ijesa
Oba Ademiju Opeyemi, Asua of Asua-Ijesa
Oba Adekunle Ajewole, Alaye-Ijesa
Oba Emmanuel Olufemi Olowolagba, Olopoye of Ipoye-Ijesa
Oba Oluwagbemiga Omole, Olumoroko of Muroko
Oba Ademilola Atayero, Olususi of Ilususi
Oba Adebisi Gboleni, Onimelu of Timile Ifewara
Oba Oluyemi Oyeleye Falode, Olosin of Osin-Ijesa
Oba Jethro Adejola, representing the Olosu-in-Council
Ilesa Grand Finale: Palace Dignitaries in Attendance
The concluding session at OWA Aromolaran Event Centre, Ilesa, attracted palace dignitaries including:
Ogboni of Ilesa
Obanla of Ilesa
Onilaje of Ilaje
Onimo of Imo
The weeklong exercise not only strengthened grassroots development planning under the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF), but also demonstrated the overwhelming support of traditional institutions, community leaders and key stakeholders across Ijesaland.
The calibre of personalities in attendance underscored the collective commitment to decentralised, inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
Media Coverage:
Oladimeji Lasore & Isaac Haastrup
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