Ajalorun’s 30-Year Reign Celebrated With Week-Long Activities As Mamora Pushes For History’s Return To Nigerian Schools
The ancient town of Ijebu-Ife has announced an elaborate week-long programme 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 anniversary schedule was officially unveiled on Sunday at the Ajalorun Palace by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Senator Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, CON, during a press conference attended by prominent sons and daughters of the community.
Describing the celebration as a reflection on "three decades of impactful royal strides," Mamora said the anniversary would honour the monarch’s enduring legacy of peaceful leadership, community development, cultural preservation, and visionary stewardship since ascending the throne in 1996.
According to him, the week-long celebration, themed "Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides," will take place from June 1 to June 6, 2026, featuring programmes designed to promote unity, celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ijebu-Ife, and advance community development.
He noted that the reign of Oba Oguntayo has been marked by significant achievements in education, youth empowerment, infrastructural development, cultural promotion, peace-building, and the preservation of traditional values.
Mamora expressed gratitude to community leaders, traditional institutions, government officials, corporate organisations, and well-wishers whose support has contributed to the successful planning of the anniversary.
Week-Long Activities
The celebrations commenced on Monday, June 1, with an Anniversary Opening Prayer Session at the Legacy Hall within the Ajalorun Palace, bringing together leaders of various faiths to pray for sustained peace, progress, and prosperity in Ijebu-Ife.
On Tuesday, June 2, pupils and students from primary and secondary schools across Ijebu-Ife and neighbouring communities will participate in a special educational programme aimed at promoting learning and historical awareness among young people.
A major highlight of the anniversary is the symposium and book launch scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.
The symposium, titled "The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date," will explore the historical evolution and significance of the traditional institution, while a new publication, "Destined for the Throne: The Biography of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA, JP and the Story of Ijebu-Ife," will be formally launched.
Speaking on the significance of the symposium, Mamora emphasized the critical role history plays in preserving identity and shaping the future of communities.
"A people without a history are a people without a future," he stated.
He lamented what he described as the declining attention given to historical studies in contemporary society, stressing that history remains the bedrock upon which communities build their values, identity, and aspirations.
According to him, the symposium will serve as an avenue to preserve the collective memory of Ijebu-Ife and educate younger generations about the town’s rich heritage and royal institution.
Chieftaincy Installations, ICT Project and Development Initiatives
Activities on Thursday, June 4, will feature the installation of distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife and other eminent personalities as Otunbas and Chiefs at the Ajalorun Palace.
Friday, June 5, will witness a series of developmental initiatives, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Ijebu-Ife Town Reserve Area, a special Jumat Service at the Ijebu-Ife Central Mosque, and the commissioning and launch of a 40-computer ICT Centre at Christ Anglican Primary School.
Mamora described the ICT Centre as a strategic investment in the educational and technological future of children within the community, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to equip the younger generation for emerging opportunities in the digital age.
Grand Finale and ₦1 Billion Legacy Development Fund
The celebration will culminate on Saturday, June 6, with a Grand Finale and Fundraising Gala aimed at raising funds for the proposed ₦1 Billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects.
The event, scheduled to hold at the Ajalorun Palace, is expected to attract corporate organisations, public office holders, philanthropists, development partners, and friends of Ijebu-Ife from across Nigeria and beyond.
Mamora explained that the fundraising initiative seeks to mobilise resources for strategic projects capable of accelerating development and improving the welfare of residents.
He called on stakeholders to support the vision, describing it as a noble undertaking for the future of the community.
The grand finale will also showcase cultural performances and feature a special appearance by legendary Juju music icon, Sir Shina Peters, alongside his Afro Juju Band.
The week-long activities will conclude on Sunday, June 7, with a thanksgiving service at the Anglican Church, Ijebu-Ife.
Youth Inclusion and Call for History's Restoration
Responding to questions from journalists, Mamora disclosed that the Planning Committee intentionally incorporated young people into both the planning and implementation of the anniversary programmes.
He described youths as critical stakeholders and future custodians of the community’s heritage.
"Beyond celebrating the achievements of the last thirty years, we must also prepare for the next thirty years and beyond," he said.
He further revealed that many young indigenes of Ijebu-Ife, including those residing in Lagos and across the diaspora, remain actively engaged in community affairs through various social and digital platforms.
Mamora also renewed his longstanding call for the restoration of History as a core subject in Nigerian schools, describing its removal from the educational curriculum as a grave error.
"Removing History from the curriculum was, in my view, a tragedy—indeed, a tragedy of monumental proportions," he stated.
He advocated the teaching of History from the primary school level, arguing that a proper understanding of heritage and ancestry would help young Nigerians develop a stronger sense of identity and national consciousness.
Colonial Politics and Historical Realities
Addressing questions on the historical relationship between Ijebu-Ife and the neighbouring Olode community, Mamora attributed certain historical disparities and developmental differences to colonial administrative decisions.
According to him, colonial-era political arrangements significantly influenced the developmental paths of many communities across the country.
"The simple answer to that is colonial politics," he remarked.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among dignitaries 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 remains committed to delivering a memorable and befitting celebration that reflects the dignity of the Ajalorun stool, the rich cultural heritage of Ijebu-Ife, and the remarkable accomplishments recorded during the monarch’s three decades on the throne.
He called on sons and daughters of the community, development partners, friends of Ijebu-Ife, and members of the public to participate actively in the celebrations.
"May this anniversary usher in greater peace, unity, development, and prosperity for Ijebu-Ife and its people," he concluded.
By Temidayo Badmus | IJEBU TODAY
