History was made in Ijesaland on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as the region witnessed the official unveiling of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) — a bold, people-driven initiative aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of the six Local Government Areas that make up Ijesaland.
The launch, which coincided with the 70th birthday celebration of the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, was more than a coincidence; it was the perfect convergence of vision, leadership, and destiny.
The twin events marked the dawn of a new era of unity, accountability, and grassroots development in Ijesaland.
The IDF is designed as an all-inclusive, ward-based, and participatory platform that mobilizes resources from Ijesa indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.
It seeks to promote progress in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare through transparency and sustainable planning.
The epoch-making event was graced by an impressive array of traditional rulers from all the six LGAs of Ijesaland — Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Obokun, and Oriade.
Their royal presence underscored the cultural depth, unity, and prestige of the gathering.
Among the dignitaries were the Obanla of Ilesa, High Chief Adeniyi Ibitoye; the Ogboni of Ipole, HRM Oba Kehinde Oyeleye Oyebade; the Ogboni of Ibokun, HRM Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro; and several other monarchs representing the diverse communities of Ijesaland.
They were joined by prominent community leaders including High Chief (Mrs) Hannah Bolanle Ojo (Yeyerise of Ilesa), Chief Akinwande Akinola (Sawe of Ilesa), and other distinguished Ijesa sons and daughters.
Also in attendance were representatives of Pan-Ijesa Societies and Clubs, reflecting the strong sense of unity and shared purpose that defines the Ijesa identity.
A key highlight of the day was the presentation of the IDF Operations and Management Framework, a detailed blueprint outlining how the Fund will function with transparency, integrity, and inclusiveness.
The framework establishes a contribution model ranging from ₦1,000 per year to ₦1,000,000 and above, ensuring that every Ijesa — regardless of social or economic status — can be part of the region’s transformation journey.
Another landmark moment was the introduction and election of the IDF Ward and Local Government Executives across the 64 wards in the six LGAs.
The elections were conducted democratically, reflecting the principles of fairness, accountability, and collective participation.
In Oriade LGA, the election was postponed to a later date to allow for wider consultation.
To ensure global participation and transparency, the event also featured the unveiling of the official IDF website, designed by Mr. Akinola Olaitan, an Ijesa-born tech expert.
The website serves as a digital hub for information, communication, and contributions, connecting Ijesas across the world to the developmental pulse of their homeland.
In his keynote address, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi described the IDF as “a people’s movement — not just a financial initiative, but a symbol of unity and self-determination.”
He emphasized that the project was conceived to give every Ijesa, home and abroad, a stake in the community’s growth and a voice in shaping its future.
Traditional rulers, dignitaries, and community leaders took turns to commend the initiative.
The Ogboni of Ipole, HRM Oba Kehinde Oyeleye Oyebade, hailed the project as a “landmark model of grassroots development.”
Similarly, the Obanla of Ilesa, High Chief Adeniyi Ibitoye, described it as “a template worthy of national replication.”
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was charged with joy, pride, and optimism. Songs of gratitude echoed through the venue, while the Shola Testimony Band added a vibrant cultural rhythm to the day’s celebrations.
The alignment of the IDF’s birth with Asiwaju Fasuyi’s 70th birthday added deeper meaning to the moment — merging personal legacy with communal destiny.
October 21, 2025, will be remembered as the day Ijesaland embraced a future anchored on unity, accountability, and self-driven progress.
Through the Ijesa Development Fund, a new light now shines across the hills and plains of Ijesaland — bright, enduring, and full of promise.
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