THE BIRTH OF IJESA DEVELOPMENT FUND (IDF) IN IJESALAND: A NEW DAWN
OF COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT
In what will forever remain a watershed moment in the socio-economic rebirth of Ijesaland, history was made on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as the entire Ijesaland witnessed the formal birth of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).
The Ijesa Development Fund is a visionary, ward-based, all-inclusive, participatory, people-driven, and sustainable mechanism designed to galvanize holistic growth and enduring prosperity
for all illustrious sons and daughters of Ijesaland.
This monumental birth of the IDF, a concept brimming with symbolism, emotion,
and historic depth, coincided with the 70th birthday celebration of the Asiwaju of Ijesaland,
Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, whose exceptional leadership, foresight, and unyielding commitment
to the progress of Ijesaland have continued to inspire generations.
The alignment of the two monumental milestones, the birth of the IDF and the platinum jubilee of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, beautifully underscored a divine convergence of vision and destiny. It was not only a celebration of a man but also of a movement, a future, and a renewed Ijesa identity anchored on unity, discipline, and purposeful development.
The epoch-making ceremony, held amidst an atmosphere of unity, excitement, and renewed hope, brought together illustrious Sons and Daughters from the 64 Wards and the six Local
Government Areas that make up Ijesaland; Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East,
Atakumosa West, Obokun, and Oriade.
It was a day that beautifully blended history with aspiration; a day that showcased the collective spirit of a people determined to take their destiny into their own hands and rewrite the narrative of community development through visionary leadership and strategic collaboration.
The birth of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) was further elevated by the majestic presence
of traditional rulers from all the six Local Government Areas of Ijesaland, whose attendance
gave royal dignity and cultural prestige to the occasion.
The galaxy of revered monarchs included:
the Obanla of Ilesa, High Chief Adeniyi Ibitoye; Ogboni of Ipole, HRM Oba Kehinde Oyeleye
Oyebade; Ogboni of Ibokun, HRM Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro; Ogboni of Ilesa, High Chief
Saka Fapohunda; Oloja of Ibodi, HRM Oba Omisade Agboluaje; Asirein of Isereyin, HRM Oba
P. A. Atayero; Olura of Ira-Ikeji Ile, HRM Oba Fatanmi Julius Oluropo; HRM Oba Ademiju
Kehinde, Irogbo-Ijesa; HRM Oba Dr. Adebayo Faforiji, Amuye-Faforiji; HRM Oba Oluwagbemiga Omole, Muroko-Ijesa; HRM Oba Ademilola Atayero, Muroko; HRM Oba Satunsin O. Coker, Ayegunle; HRM Oba Sunday Ishola Ibironke, Iwaraja; HRM Oba Olanibi Adedoja, Iwikun;
HRM Oba Michael A. Adebayo (J.P.), Ido-Ijesa; HRM Oba (Dr.) Lawrence Ige, Oke-Anu;
HRM Oba Oluwagbemiga Olowe, Isaobi; HRM Oba Ajanaku Babajide, Arojiji;
HRM Oba Ogunniyi Oluwaseyi, Onitegun; HRM Oba Emmanuel Olufemi Olowolagba, Ipoye-Ijesa; HRM Oba Abiola Ilesanmi, Kajola-Bowaje; HRM Oba Adekanmi Ajijala, Oloruntedo-Ijesa; HRM Oba Adesola Israel; HRM Oba Moses Akeju, Arojo; HRM Oba Ojarotade Adewale, Ilaa-Ijesa; HRM Oba Olufemi Olayinka, Odo-Ijesa; HRM Oba Bashiru Onigbogi, Owada; HRM Oba Isaiah Adedeji Olusegun Ogunleye, Tirimi of Iperindo; HRM Oba S. A. Adelola, Ikoromoja; HRM Oba (Barr.) Adenle Adeloye Akeji, Ikeji-Arako; HRM Oba Jackson Adeyemi Haastrup, Iloro; HRM
Oba E. Agunlejika, Okebode; HRH Oba D. Falode, Oke-Osin; HRH Oba Makanjuola Awodugba,
Itaosan; HRM Oba Olaniyi Agunbiade, Imo; HRM Oba Adebayo Alabi, Ese-Odo; HRM Oba
Lawrence Ajayi, Ilahun-Ijesa; HRM Oba Edward Adetimo, Ijaregbe; HRM Oba Michael
Babatunde Adedeji, Ido-Oko; HRM Oba Ogidiolu Adewumi, Iwoye-Ijesa; HRM Oba Akinbayode
Aderogba, Ilupeu-Ijesa; HRM Oba Augustine Adenipekun, Ere-Ijesa; HRM Sir Oba Alexander
Kujembola, Ita Apa; and HRM Oba Ilesanmi Olugbenga, Ilo-Olomo.
Their dignified presence, alongside several High Chiefs and Community leaders across Ijesaland, added splendour and grandeur to the event. Notably among them were High Chief (Mrs) Hannah Bolanle Ojo, Yeyerise of Ilesa; Chief Akinwande Akinola, Sawe of Ilesa; High Chief Ogunyemi Omoniyi, Lejoka of Ilesa; High Chief Olowe Gbenga; High Chief Osunseyi Kolawole; Obanla Akin Obi; High Chief J. A. Fapohunda; High Chief Olawale R. O.; Chief Bakare Niyi; High Chief Sajiku; Chief Fapohunda T. A.; Chief M. O. Aluko; Chief Bayo Omirin; High Chief Olabode A.; High Chief Olakanmi Fapohunda; High Chief Ekundayo Dare; and High Chief Tunde Elesuruope,among others.
Also in were representatives of Pan-Ijesa Societies and Clubs, whose collective
presence underlined the deep unity, solidarity, and communal pride that define the Ijesa spirit.
Their participation gave the event the aura of a cultural congress; an assembly of minds and hearts united by a single purpose: the rebirth and renaissance of Ijesaland.
The birth of the IDF, under the distinguished and strategic leadership of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi,
represents far more than a ceremonial declaration. It is a bold, innovative, and timeless testament
to the power of vision, unity, and purposeful action. Conceived as a sustainable, transparent, and
all-inclusive development vehicle, the IDF seeks to mobilize local, national, and diaspora
resources to advance education, healthcare, youth empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure, and
the overall socio-economic renaissance of Ijesaland.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the grand occasion was the formal presentation of the
IDF Operations and Management Framework, an exquisitely detailed and thoughtfully designed
blueprint that outlines the operational structures, financial governance systems, and
implementation strategies for the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF). The framework reflects the
principles of integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness that have long been the hallmark of Ijesa
community leadership. It ensures that every contribution no matter how modest from a minimum
of N1,000 contribution per annum to a maximum of N1,000,000 and above per annum translates
into tangible, measurable, and sustainable impacts across the entire Ijesa landscape.
Another captivating feature of the day was the introduction and election of the IDF Ward
Executives, elected from all the 64 Wards across the six Local Government Areas of Ijesaland.
Each IDF executive was carefully and democratically elected, reflecting the values of integrity,
accountability, and a deep-seated passion for the sustainable transformation of Ijesaland.
Following this unveiling was the election of the IDF Local Government Executives across the six
LGAs, an exemplary democratic exercise conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, excitement, and brotherhood. The process mirrored the unity of purpose and shared developmental vision that underpin the ideals of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).
In Ilesa East, the newly elected IDF Local Government executives were: Chief Olomola Oladipo
(Chairman); Mr. Emmanuel Ojo (Vice Chairman); Chief Ajobo Adekunle (Secretary); Chief
Babatope Akinola (Financial Secretary); Mr. Oladiran Ogunwuyi (Treasurer); Chief Olukanmi
Isaac Ayodele (Project Officer); Chief Ajayi Adeniyi Matthew (Assistant General Secretary);
and Mr. E. O. Fadipe (Assistant Treasurer).
In Ilesa West, the IDF elected team comprised Engr. Olaleye (Chairman); Chief Adebayo
Ilesanmi (Vice Chairman); Mr. Afolabi Olalekan (Secretary); Elder Jacob Adekunle (Financial
Secretary); Chief Animasaun Dupe (Treasurer); Chief Fasugba Oluseyi (Project Officer); and
Mr. Adeyori Olasunkanmi (Assistant Secretary).For Atakumosa East, the IDF executives included Mr. Awokola Adeoye (Chairman); Mr. Azeez Rabiu (Vice Chairman); Mr. Fadipe Babatunde (General Secretary); Mr. Adeyemo Babatunde (Financial Secretary); TPL Temitope Omoniyi (Treasurer); Mr. Kamaru Omoboriowo (Project Officer); Mr. Folorunso Olabode (Assistant General Secretary); and Mr. Adedokun Ogunniyi (Assistant Treasurer).
In Atakumosa West, the elected IDF officers were Sir Oluwadairo Olabanji (Chairman); Pastor
Akingbade Paul Adedeji (Vice Chairman); Chief Olusina Babatunde (Secretary); Pastor
Olabode Awe (Financial Secretary); Chief Osunkile Sunday (Treasurer); Chief Oguntuase
Joseph (Project Officer); Prince Adesanya Ogunmokun (Assistant General Secretary); and Mr.
Mabayoje Adedeji (Assistant Treasurer).
For Obokun Local Government, the newly elected IDF executives were 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); and Chief Oladejo Ojo (Assistant Treasurer).
However, in Oriade Local Government, the election process remained inconclusive during the
ceremony, as the stakeholders collectively agreed to reconvene at a later date to ensure a
transparent, inclusive, and widely accepted outcome. This decision, reached through mutual
understanding, further underscored the Fund’s commitment to fairness, consensus-building, and
participatory leadership.
The historic proceedings culminated in the swearing-in ceremony of all newly elected IDF Local
Government Executives, a solemn yet uplifting moment that crowned the day’s activities. With
hearts filled with delight, the IDF LGA Executives pledged to uphold the vision, values, and
objectives of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) with unwavering dedication, transparency, and
accountability. The collective enthusiasm that greeted their inauguration symbolized a renewed
commitment to unity, integrity, and service marking the dawn of a new era of structured,
community-driven transformation across Ijesaland.
Another captivating feature of the day was the introduction of the IDF Ward Executives elected
from all the 64 Wards across the six LGAs. Each executive was carefully elected for his or her
proven integrity, passion for service, and deep-rooted commitment to the growth of Ijesaland.
Their unveiling was followed by the election of the IDF Local Government Executives in the six
LGAs, a democratic exercise conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, excitement, and brotherhood.
The birth of IDF attained even greater sophistication with the presentation of the IDF Website, a
world-class digital platform designed and developed by Mr. Akinola Olaitan, a proud Ijesa patriot
and technology expert of exceptional brilliance. The website, a masterpiece of functionality and
aesthetics, stands as a modern gateway to the IDF’s operations, enabling seamless interaction,
contribution, and information-sharing between the Fund and the global Ijesa community.
In his deeply inspiring address, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, radiating
delight, humility, and gratitude, described the day as the dawn of a new era in the long and
illustrious history of Ijesaland. He emphasized that the IDF represents not just a financial initiative
but a people’s movement, an institutional expression of the collective will of Ijesa people to define
their destiny.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and representatives of Pan-Ijesa Societies and
Clubs all took turns to commend the historic birth of the IDF. Speaking at the groundbreaking
event, Ogboni of Ipole, HRM Oba Kehinde Oyeleye Oyebade, extolled the exceptional leadership
of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi and the strategic coordination of the Ijesa Community Development
Assembly (ICDA) for conceptualizing and institutionalizing a mechanism that transcends rhetoric
and brings development closer to the grassroots. In a similar vein, The Obanla of Ilesa, High Chief Adeniyi Ibiyoye described the IDF as a model worthy of replication across Nigeria, emphasizing
that the initiative exemplifies what can be achieved when visionary leadership meets community
unity and shared purpose.
Beyond its institutional framework, the IDF was celebrated as a profound statement of identity,
pride, and continuity. It symbolizes the rebirth of the ancient Ijesa spirit of self-help, cooperation,
and collective advancement; a value system that continues to inspire generations.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with jubilation, fulfillment, and an
overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Songs of gratitude rent the air, and hearts swelled with
delight as the entire arena resonated with joy and celebration. The post-event atmosphere was
further enlivened by soul-stirring musical performances from the renowned Shola Testimony
Band, whose captivating rhythms and melodious renditions added a vibrant cultural flourish to the historic occasion.
Indeed, the birth of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) graciously coinciding with the 70th
birthday of the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi marks a defining moment in the chronicles of Ijesaland. In the golden annals of Ijesa history, October 21, 2025, will forever
be remembered as the day when Ijesaland collectively embraced a future anchored on accountability, innovation, and unity of purpose. Through the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF), a new light now shines across the hills and plains of Ijesaland, bright, enduring, and full of promise.
