Preparations are in top gear in Ilesa, Osun State, as a high-powered 32-member Planning Committee has been inaugurated to organize a grand, nine-day celebration marking the 70th birthday of Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi a revered Ijesa community leader, philanthropist, and visionary figure whose name echoes far beyond Ijesaland.
The milestone celebration, themed “A Guest-Focused Celebration of Legacy and Impact,” is scheduled to hold from Friday, October 17 to Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Unlike typical birthday events, this Jubilee has been designed to reflect the rich legacy of the celebrant and to showcase decades of excellence, sacrifice, leadership, and enduring service to society.
To ensure seamless planning and flawless execution, the Planning Committee chaired by HRM Oba Engr. Moses Olufemi Agunsoye is further subdivided into specialized subcommittees, each tasked with overseeing a specific aspect of the elaborate event.
Sir Folu Olamiti (Chairman, Media & Publicity); Rtd DIG Leye Oyebade, (Chairman, Security & Traffic); Engr Sola Ayeni, (Chairman, Logistics); Yeye Oba Mrs Yemisi Iyanda (Chairperson, Ijesa In Diaspora);
Dr Yomi Layinka (Chairman, Ibadan Caucus); Dr Very Revd Biodun Ogunbekun (Chairman, Ijesa Societies & Clubs); HRM Oba Sunday Ishola Ibironke, Chairman Oriade Local Government Area Community); HRM Oba Ojarotade Adewale (Chairman, Atakumosa West Local Government Area Community);
High Chief Ogboni Saka Fapohunda (Chairman, Ijesa Central Community);
HRM Oba Babatunde Adedeji (Chairman, Obokun Local Government Area Community);
HRM Oba Teniola Omokehinde (Chairman, Atakumosa East Local Government Area Community);
High Chief Yeyerise Bolanle Ojo (Chairperson, Ijesa Women Groups);
Alagba Wale Idowu (Chairman, Programmes); Dr Prince Toyin Olalemi (Chairman, Special Guests & Venues Coordination); Chief Afolabi Igbaroola (Chairman, Protocols);
Mr Bukola Fadipe (Chairman, Churches & Mosques);
Prince Lowo Adebiyi (Chairman, ICDA Coordination);
Bobagunwa Remi Oyeyemi (Chairman, Tributes & Publication);
Mr Sunday Igbaroola (Chairman, Finance & Accounts);
Prince Ademola Adeyeye (Chairman, Invitation & Access Cards);
Dr Ladi Fakoya (Chairman, Medical);
Mrs Olabisi Awe (Chairperson, Ijesa Markets);
Mr Gbenga Sadiku (Chairman, Ijesa Trade & Vocational Groups);
Chief Mrs Yemisi Falope (Chairperson, Catering Coordination);
Chief Akin Olatunbosun (Chairman, Beverages & Drinks Coordination);
Chief Mrs Jumoke Olafadehan (Chairperson, Small Chops Coordination);
Engr Busayo Aluko (Chairman, Photographs, Videos, Online Streaming & Documentation;
Chief Oladiran Fasuyi-Enang (Chairman Fasuyi & Relatives Families);
Mr Sunday Owoborode (Chairman, Ijesa Youths);
Mr Deji Araoye: Chairman Accommodation; and Prince Ademola Adeyoju (Secretary/Chairman Secretariat).
Widely regarded as a man of deep purpose and impact, Asiwaju Fasuyi’s life story is one of transformational leadership a journey marked by his influence on individuals, institutions, and communities across Osun State and Nigeria at large.
Reaching the age of 70, in a nation often challenged by instability and uncertainty, is itself a testament to divine grace.
Thus, the celebration is not merely for merriment, but also a heartfelt thanksgiving for a life well lived, filled with reflection, inspiration, and purpose.
The upcoming Platinum Jubilee will feature activities that mirror the celebrant’s diverse engagements and values.
Spiritual reflection will be a strong component, with worship sessions in mosque, church, and traditional settings.
Other highlights include a soul-stirring classical orchestra, a visit to orphanages to reaffirm his empathy for the underprivileged, and a full Cultural Day that honours the essence of Ijesa heritage.
A commemorative Ayo game the traditional strategy board game of Ijesaland will celebrate local culture, while public lectures and a symposium will challenge and inspire the next generation of thinkers and community builders.
Ijesa communities in the Diaspora will also take center stage, hosting an event day in honour of Asiwaju Fasuyi’s international contributions.
From professionals abroad to grassroots allies at home, the celebration will bring together a mosaic of dignitaries, friends, and admirers from across sectors and borders.
On Saturday, October 25, which coincides with his actual date of birth, the grand finale of the celebration will hold tagged “Light House.”
It will include a thanksgiving service, a birthday reception, and the formal unveiling of a commemorative book that documents the legacy of the celebrant.
According to the Committee, every element of the celebration is built with guests in mind.
From personalized invitations to detailed logistics and protocol, traditional rulers, government officials, industry leaders, family members, and local citizens will be hosted with care, honour, and excellence.
This attention to detail reflects the personal values of Asiwaju Fasuyi himself dignity, humility, hospitality, and leadership.
It is these qualities that the event aims to project and preserve as part of his enduring legacy.
FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Friday, October 17: Jum’at Service @ Ilesa Central Mosque (1 PM); Ijesa Sports Club Hosts Celebrant (5 PM)
Saturday, October 18: Birthday Ayo Game @ Iwude House (2 PM)
Sunday, October 19: Musical Orchestra @ Herrigan Hotel (2 PM)
Monday, October 20: Orphanage Visitation (11 AM);
Cultural Day @ Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre (2 PM)
Tuesday, October 21: Birthday Symposium & Launch of Ijesa Development Foundation @ Gold City Event Centre (11 AM)
Wednesday, October 22: Public Lecture, Iwure & 9th Asiwaju Installation Anniversary Dance @ Zenabab Hotel (11 AM)
Thursday, October 23: Ijesa Diaspora Day With Asiwaju @ Zenabab Hotel (12 Noon)
Friday, October 24: Birthday Open House (12 Noon)
Saturday, October 25 (Grand Finale):Thanksgiving Service @ Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, Omofe (10 AM)
Reception & Book Launch @ Zenabab Hotel (1 PM)
This upcoming Jubilee is not just an event, it is a celebration of vision, virtue, and victory.
The life of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi continues to inspire and unite and come October, Ilesa will stand still in honour of one of its finest sons.
image credit : Haastrup
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