The Ifofin Local Church of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ilesa, was filled with joy and celebration on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as Hon. Idowu Falade was formally installed as the Otun Baba Ijo, alongside nine other members elevated into various leadership positions during a colourful and spiritually uplifting ceremony.
The installation service attracted church members, family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered to witness the investiture of the new church leaders and celebrate their commitment to God's service.
Others installed during the ceremony were Sir Chief Ademiju Ariyo as Baba Ijo, Lady Chief Oluwatoyin Adejumoke as Iya Ijo, Bro. Abiodun Gbenga Jegede as Asiwaju Ijo, Sis. Felicia Fehintola Olowoyo as Otun Iya Ijo, Chief Michael Adebayo Fadunsin as Balogun Ijo, Bro. Sunday Davies Ekundare as Otun Balogun Ijo, Evangelist Olabode Adesina as Majeobaje Okunrin Ijo, Evangelist Rachel Titilayo Ekundare as Iya Egbe Ajihinrere Ijo and Sis. Christiana Emiola Fadiya as Otun Iya Aladura Ijo.
The ceremony was marked by thanksgiving, fervent prayers and a renewed commitment by the newly installed leaders to advance the work of God within the Methodist Church.
A major highlight of the service was the doctrinal procession, followed by the anointing of the leaders, oath-taking to uphold the doctrines and discipline of the Methodist Church Nigeria, and the presentation of chieftaincy certificates, neck beads bearing the crucifix and Holy Bibles as symbols of their spiritual responsibilities.
Hon. Falade's Journey of Service
The newly installed Otun Baba Ijo, Hon. Idowu Falade, was born over six decades ago into the family of the late Pa Babatunde Jonah and the late Mrs. Folashade Janet, both natives of Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State.
He began his education at Oro Ajimoko Methodist Primary School before proceeding to Methodist High School, Ilesa, where he studied between 1976 and 1981 and sat for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination in 1982.
He later attended Government Teachers' College before proceeding to Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa, now Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. His quest for academic excellence took him to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree in Political Science.
From Classroom to Public Service
Hon. Falade served as a teacher for 15 years before resigning to venture into politics.
His political career began in 1998 when he contested and won the councillorship election under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
His leadership qualities subsequently earned him the position of Party Chairman in Ilesa East between 2003 and 2010. In 2011, he was appointed Caretaker Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government, while from 2013 to 2022, he served as Chairman of the Ilesa East Local Government Education Authority.
Beyond public service, he is also engaged in business.
Lifelong Commitment to Methodism
A Methodist by birth, Hon. Falade has maintained a lifelong commitment to the church.
He began as a chorister and later became President of the Christian Sons and Daughters of Methodist Church Nigeria, Ifofin, Ilesa.
Over the years, he has served as Church Treasurer and, most recently, Circuit Steward, reflecting decades of dedication to the growth and administration of the church.
In 2002, he undertook a Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem, further underscoring his devotion to the Christian faith.
Family Life
Hon. Idowu Falade is married to Mrs. Victoria Adefunke Falade, and their union is blessed with children and grandchildren.
The installation ceremony concluded with prayers for the newly installed leaders, as congregants expressed confidence that their new responsibilities would further strengthen the spiritual growth and development of Ifofin Local Church and the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ilesa.
Guests were entertained at the Della's Place Event Centre, Isare, Ilesa.
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