The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, is set to confer honorary chieftaincy titles on the Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, and his wife, Mrs Olubunmi Igbaroola, in recognition of their contributions to the development of Ijesaland.
The conferment, scheduled for Friday 23rd October, 2026, according to a reliable source close to the palace, will see Chief Igbaroola receive the title of Bobaselu of Ilesa, while his wife will be honoured as Yeye Bobaselu of Ilesa.
The titles recognise the couple's contributions to Ijesaland, with Chief Igbaroola particularly noted for his longstanding involvement in community development and his leadership of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee.
Academic and Professional Background
Chief Afolabi Igbaroola's educational journey began at Ilesa Grammar School, where he completed his secondary education in 1978. He proceeded to Osogbo Grammar School, Osogbo, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC), which he completed in 1982.
He later attended the University of Lagos, Akoka, graduating in 1985.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year at the Federal College of Education, Okene, in the then Kwara State, he was decorated by the military Head of State at the time, General Ibrahim Babangida, as the best-behaved corps member in the state.
Igbaroola subsequently completed the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and was admitted as an Associate Member in 1986. He attained Fellowship of the institute in 1992.
He also belongs to several other professional bodies, reflecting his involvement in the accountancy profession and related fields.
Pioneering Accountancy Practice in Ijesaland
Driven by his attachment to Ijesaland, Igbaroola returned to Ilesa in 1987 to establish what is described as the first audit and accountancy firm in the town.
Three years later, in 1990, he expanded his professional practice to Osogbo, where he also established what is described as the first audit and accountancy firm in the state capital.
His professional career has been accompanied by sustained involvement in developmental activities across Ijesaland, dating back to 1993.
Over the years, he has participated in various initiatives aimed at advancing the interests of Ijesa people and promoting the development of their homeland.
Reforms in Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee
As Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee, Igbaroola has introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the organisation and expanding the scope of the annual Iwude Ijesa celebration.
One of the major developments was the transformation of the traditional celebration into a two-day programme, incorporating the Ijesa Unity Carnival on the Sunday following the Saturday Iwude festival.
The initiative, developed through the Planning Committee under Igbaroola's leadership, provided a broader platform for Ijesa sons and daughters at home and abroad to celebrate their common heritage and promote unity.
The expanded celebration also created opportunities to encourage participating societies and clubs, popularly known as Elegbejegbes, to contribute to community development.
Working with the committee's Vice Chairman, Alagba Wale Idowu, and other members, Igbaroola has continued to lead efforts to strengthen the festival's organisational structure and developmental relevance.
Recognition of Service to Ijesaland
The impending conferment of the titles of Bobaselu and Yeye Bobaselu of Ilesa underscores the importance attached to service, commitment and contributions to the development of Ijesaland.
For Igbaroola, the recognition comes against the background of a professional career spanning accountancy, entrepreneurship and decades of participation in community development.
His leadership of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee has also placed him at the centre of efforts to reposition the annual celebration as a platform for cultural preservation, unity and development.
The conferment by the Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, is expected to formally recognise the contributions of the couple to Ijesaland.
The event will further highlight the traditional institution's role in acknowledging individuals whose professional careers and community engagements have contributed to the advancement of Ijesa people.
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