The ancient town of Ijebu-Ife has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to commemorate the 30th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP, Ogbagba Agbaotewole, the 42nd Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife.
The programme was unveiled on Sunday by the Chairman of the 30th Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee, Senator Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, CON, during a press conference at the Ajalorun Palace, Ijebu-Ife.
Mamora described the anniversary as a celebration of “three decades of impactful royal strides, peaceful leadership, community development, cultural preservation, and visionary stewardship” under the revered monarch.
According to him, the celebration, themed “Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides,” will hold from June 1 to June 6, 2026, with activities designed to celebrate the rich heritage of Ijebu-Ife, promote development, and strengthen unity among its people.“Since ascending the throne in 1996, Kabiyesi has continued to provide exemplary leadership, fostering unity, peace, and progress within Ijebu-Ife and beyond,” Mamora said.“His reign has witnessed remarkable achievements in community development, educational advancement, youth empowerment, cultural promotion, and the strengthening of traditional values.
”The former Minister of State for Health expressed appreciation to stakeholders, community leaders, government officials, traditional institutions, corporate organisations, and well-wishers for their support towards the successful planning of the anniversary.He said activities would commence on Monday, June 1, with an Anniversary Opening Prayer Session at the Legacy Hall, Ajalorun Palace, where representatives of different faiths will pray for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of Ijebu-Ife.
An Educational Programme involving pupils and students from primary and secondary schools in Ijebu-Ife and neighbouring communities will follow on Tuesday, June 2.A major highlight of the anniversary will be a symposium and book launch scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.The symposium, titled “The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date,” will examine the historical evolution of the revered institution, while the book “Destined for the Throne: The Biography of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP and the Story of Ijebu-Ife” will also be launched.Speaking on the significance of the symposium, Mamora stressed the importance of preserving history and passing historical knowledge to younger generations.“A people without a history are a people without a future,” he said.
“In contemporary times, there is often insufficient attention given to the study and preservation of history. Yet history remains the foundation upon which communities build their identity, values and aspirations.”He added that the symposium would serve as a platform for preserving the collective memory of the people and educating younger generations about the history of Ijebu-Ife and its traditional institution.On Thursday, June 4, distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife and beyond will be honoured through installation as Otunbas and Chiefs at the Ajalorun Palace.Activities on Friday, June 5, will include the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Ijebu-Ife Town Reserve Area, a Jumat Service at the Ijebu-Ife Central Mosque, and the commissioning and launching of a 40-computer ICT Centre at Christ Anglican Primary School.Mamora described the ICT project as a major investment in the educational and technological future of children in the community.
The celebration will climax on Saturday, June 6, with a Grand Finale and Fundraising Gala for the ₦1 Billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects at the Ajalorun Palace.According to him, the initiative is aimed at mobilising resources for strategic projects that will further transform the community and improve the quality of life of its people.“We invite corporate organisations, philanthropists, public office holders, development partners, and all friends of Ijebu-Ife to partner with us in this noble endeavour,” he said.
The event will also feature cultural displays and a special musical performance by legendary Juju musician, Sir Shina Peters, and his Afro Juju Band.A thanksgiving service at the Anglican Church, Ijebu-Ife, on Sunday, June 7, will round off the anniversary celebrations.Responding to questions from journalists, Mamora said the Planning Committee had deliberately ensured the involvement of young people and other segments of the community in the planning and execution of the anniversary programmes.
“The youth are critical stakeholders because they represent the next generation of leaders and custodians of our heritage,” he said.“Beyond celebrating the achievements of the last thirty years, we must also prepare for the next thirty years and beyond.”He noted that many young indigenes of Ijebu-Ife, including those in Lagos and the diaspora, remain actively involved in community affairs through various social and digital platforms.
Mamora also renewed calls for the restoration of History as a subject in Nigerian schools, describing its removal from the curriculum as a grave mistake.“I am aware that there has been considerable agitation over the years for the restoration of History in our schools,” he said.“Removing History from the curriculum was, in my view, a tragedy—indeed, a tragedy of monumental proportions.”He stressed that History should be taught from the primary school level to help young people understand their roots, appreciate their heritage, and develop a stronger sense of identity.On a question concerning the historical relationship between Ijebu-Ife and the neighbouring Olode community, Mamora attributed certain historical disparities between the two communities to decisions taken during the colonial era.“The simple answer to that is colonial politics,” he said, noting that colonial administrative arrangements had long-term implications for the development trajectories of many communities.
Also present at the press conference were Prof. Gbemi Onakoya, Chairman of the Finance Committee; former Chairman of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, Otunba Dr. Olumide Olukoya; Otunba Dr. Akeem Adetugbobo of the Governing Council of Lagos State University of Education; the Yeyelufe of Ijebu-Ife, Chief Mrs. Salami Balogun; and Hon. Tayo Mabaweje, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Communication.Mamora assured residents that the Planning Committee remained committed to delivering a befitting celebration that reflects the dignity of the throne, the rich heritage of Ijebu-Ife, and the remarkable accomplishments of the Ajalorun.
He called on sons and daughters of the community, development partners, and members of the public to participate actively in the anniversary celebrations.“May this anniversary usher in greater peace, unity, development, and prosperity for Ijebu-Ife and its people,” he said.
