Otufesojoye of Irete-Ijebu Calls for Greater Government Presence In the community*

As the ancient town of Irete-Ijebu prepares for the grand celebration of the 4th coronation anniversary of its monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, the Otufesojoye of Irete-Ijebu Kingdom, the palace has become a center of renewed dialogue on development, culture, and the future of the kingdom.

At a press briefing held within the royal courtyard, the Otufesojoye spoke passionately about the growing needs of his people and the responsibility of government and investors to meet them. While acknowledging that some progress had been made, he insisted that more must be done to serve the rising population, which now includes a growing number of students from a tertiary institution in the area, as well as an expanding base of artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs.

"Our people need schools. We need hospitals. We need secondary schools and primary schools for our children,” 

“Our people need schools. We need hospitals. We need secondary schools and primary schools for our children,” the monarch declared, his voice firm yet hopeful. “Our people need schools. We need hospitals. We need secondary schools and primary schools for our children,” the monarch declared, his voice firm yet hopeful. “The government is trying—the local government under Hon. Tunde

 

Diya gave US twenty solar lamps for our streets, and we appreciate that—but more still needs to be done.” government is trying—the local government under Hon. Diya gave us twenty solar lamps for our streets, and we appreciate that—but more still needs to be done.”

The king emphasized that Irete-Ijebu, once considered a quiet community, is fast transforming into a hub of cultural pride, education, and commerce.

Hon Tunde Diye, Chairman Odogbolu LGA

 

He called on both state authorities and private investors to seize the opportunity by providing critical infrastructure and social amenities that will unlock the full potential of the kingdom.

With the upcoming anniversary as a backdrop, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu promised that the October 4, 2025 celebration would showcase “the beauty and splendour of the kingdom.” The event, expected to draw eminent Ijebu sons and daughters from across the globe, will not only highlight tradition and pageantry but also reaffirm the unity and progress of Irete-Ijebu.

On the issue of peace and stability, the monarch assured that his domain remains secure. “Our communities are living peacefully,” he said. “We resolve our disputes through dialogue and collaboration. That is our way.” His words underscored the resilience of Irete-Ijebu people, who continue to balance tradition with the demands of modern growth.

The press also sought his views on the ongoing controversy surrounding the process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland. Without hesitation, the Otufesojoye reminded all that Irete-Ijebu shares a deep historical connection with the throne. “Our sons and daughters who are eligible princes are also eligible for the Awujale stool,” he affirmed. “Our ancestor, Oyenuyi, was both an Awujale and the first king of Idowa. That lineage and legacy remain with us.”

Fusengbuwa Ruling House Gets Set to Elect New Awujale

 

With the passing of the revered Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona after a 65-year reign, the mantle of succession now rests on the Fusengbuwa ruling house, whose turn it is to present the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

At a unification meeting held at Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Court, Ijebu Ode, members of the royal lineage reconciled long-standing differences and selected a new Olori Ebi (family head) to guide the succession process.

After heated exchanges from opposing camps, consensus was reached as Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), was appointed to succeed Dr. Kunle Hassan, who voluntarily stepped down.

In his acceptance speech, Owoyemi pledged inclusiveness and transparency:

“For over forty years I have walked in the corridors of this ruling house. By the grace of Almighty God, every voice shall be heard, and every prince given his chance. My leadership will be open, fair, and just — for the throne we serve is greater than us all.”

Addressing reporters after the meeting, His Royal Highness, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya Yesufu, the Otufesojoye of Irete-Ijebu Kingdom, commended the family for resolving disputes peacefully.

“What happened today shows that unity is stronger than division. The Awujale throne is bigger than personal ambition. Let us rally behind the new Olori Ebi and keep the pride of the Ijebu nation intact,” he said.

In his parting remarks, Dr. Hassan expressed gratitude and offered his support:

“Leadership is service, and every service has its season. I hand over with gratitude and urge all members of our house to support Otunba Owoyemi. The glory of Ijebuland must continue to shine.”

With a new family head now in place, the Fusengbuwa ruling house has set its course toward presenting a worthy successor to one of Africa’s most prestigious thrones — the Awujale of Ijebuland.

Among the prominent members of the Fusengbuwa royal family from the Jadiara dynasty present at the event were His Royal Highness, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya Yesufu, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, Otunba Dosumu Saheed, Otunba Olumide Adesanya, and Hon. Justice ‘Tayo Lamina, among others.

Oba Awokoya-Yesufu Champions Partnership Between SACOETEC and Irete-Ijebu

In Irete-Ijebu, tradition and progress are meeting at a powerful crossroads. The Onirete, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, has called for a bold partnership between the town and the Sikiru Adetona College of Educatio n, Science and Technology (SACOETEC)—a collaboration he believes can shape the destiny of both the school and the community.

The monarch made this declaration during a recent courtesy visit to the institution’s management, where his message was clear: the future of Irete-Ijebu lies in uniting local leadership with academic innovation.

“SACOETEC’s presence in our community presents an enormous opportunity—not only for academic excellence but also for economic and social development,” Oba Awokoya-Yesufu noted, emphasizing education as a cornerstone of transformation.

A Vision Beyond the Classroom

Oba Awokoya-Yesufu urged SACOETEC to deepen its footprint in the community by championing projects that extend beyond the lecture halls. He highlighted the need for an ICT hub, research tailored to community development, and programs that provide both jobs and skills for local youth.

“Education,” he said, “must be more than theory. It should be the foundation upon which our people build brighter futures.”

 

The School’s Commitment

The Provost, Dr. Modupe Ayodele Oba-Adenuga, welcomed the royal charge with enthusiasm, affirming the institution’s commitment to its host town. She revealed that new initiatives—such as vocational training and expanded community service programs—are already in motion, designed to directly benefit the youth and families of Irete-Ijebu.

 

Shared Goals for Growth

Community voices echoed this vision. Otunba Saheed Dosumu, a respected leader, described the meeting as a blueprint for strengthening ties between traditional institutions and centers of learning ancross Ogun State. He stressed that partnerships of this kind align education with the real needs of society, making growth both inclusive and sustainable.

 

A Blueprint for Tomorrow

The gathering underscored a new reality for Irete-Ijebu: that development is no longer the sole preserve of government but a shared responsibility anchored in collaboration. With the leadership of Oba Awokoya-Yesufu and the support of SACOETEC, the community is stepping into a future where education fuels empowerment, and tradition powers progress.