Ilesa Set for Inaugural Ijesa Hall of Fame as Owa Haastrup Hosts Eminent Personalities

All is set for the maiden edition of the Ijesa Hall of Fame, as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, prepares to host dignitaries at the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame in Ilesa next Sunday.

The landmark event, scheduled for 1:00 p.m., is expected to attract prominent personalities from across Nigeria, with the monarch planning a day of tributes in honour of distinguished sons and daughters of Ijesaland. The ceremony will also form part of the Easter Sunday celebrations, bringing together families and associates of the awardees.

Among those selected as inaugural inductees into the Hall of Fame are Biodun Lufadeju, Dame Yinka Obaleye, and late icons including I.K. Dairo, Chief Lawrence Omole, and Pa Folorunso Awomoolo, all recognised for their significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Ijesaland.

As part of the honours, prominent roads within Ilesa will be named after the awardees, including key roundabouts along Imo Road, Ayeso Road, and Isokun Road.

In the Merit Award category, notable personalities such as Sapara Williams, Bolanle Awe, Prince Olu Awogboro, Oba Oladele Olashore, and Israel Adesanya, among others, have also been selected for recognition.

The list further includes Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, Rasheed Sarumi, Femi Agunbiade, General Tokunbo Fayemiwo, and former Minister Erelu Olusola Obada, all acknowledged for their contributions across various sectors.

The selections were made by a seven-member committee constituted by the Owa-in-Council and chaired by Chief Akin Akinola, alongside traditional rulers and other notable members.

The initiative, according to Owa Haastrup, is designed to celebrate Ijesa individuals whose investments and achievements have positively impacted the community, while inspiring younger generations to emulate their success.

He added that the process was deliberately made inclusive to strengthen unity within Ijesaland, noting that future editions would feature a more selective process with fewer inductees.

The monarch also warned that any recipient whose actions tarnish the reputation of Ijesaland after being honoured would forfeit the title.

The event is expected to mark a significant milestone in recognising excellence and preserving the legacy of outstanding Ijesa figures.