Orolu Day: Indigenes Launch N5b Development Fund

…Celebrate unity, resilience, and progress

The ancient town of Ifon-Osun, headquarters of Orolu Kingdom in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State, came alive on Saturday as indigenes, government officials, eminent personalities, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered at Olufon’s Palace Square to celebrate the 2025 Orolu Day and the official launch of a N5 billion development fund aimed at completing key infrastructural projects across the kingdom.

The annual celebration, renowned for showcasing the heritage, unity, and developmental achievements of the Orolu people, drew an impressive turnout, reaffirming the community’s commitment to progress.

High-profile dignitaries in attendance included the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Political Affairs, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, royal fathers, prominent political leaders, members of royal families, chieftaincy titleholders, and branches of the Ifon-Osun Progressive Union (IPU) from Nigeria and abroad.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the 2025 Orolu Day Celebration Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Transport, Hon. Moshood Adejare Yakubu, expressed profound gratitude to all attendees and commended indigenes for sustaining the tradition of unity and progressive engagement.

“Today, we gather in the spirit of oneness, peace, and love to celebrate how far we have come as a people and to renew our commitment to the future we desire for the Orolu Kingdom. Let us continue to uphold harmony, mutual respect, and collective responsibility as we build a greater Ifon-Osun,” he said.

He encouraged all sons and daughters of Orolu Kingdom to contribute generously to the N5 billion development fund, describing it as a bold step toward advancing ongoing projects and initiating new ones for the benefit of present and future generations.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye, Akinyooye III, warmly welcomed all indigenes home and abroad and specially appreciated invited guests for honouring the occasion.

He commended the IPU national body, home branch, and sister branches for their unwavering commitment to the growth of the kingdom, and lauded the 2025 Planning Committee for delivering a well-coordinated and successful celebration.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the state governor for his developmental efforts across Osun, while calling for increased government attention to Ifon-Osun, particularly in the construction of major roads and the provision of essential public infrastructure.

The Olufon then offered heartfelt prayers for all contributors and participants, praying that “prosperity will abide in every home, that the works of their hands shall flourish, and that peace and divine protection shall continually rest upon all sons and daughters of Orolu Kingdom.”

Delivering the goodwill message of the Governor of Osun State, the Honourable Commissioner for Political Affairs, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development across the state.

He stated, “Governor Adeleke remains dedicated to ensuring that no community is left behind in the march toward progress. Ifon-Osun is a priority, and the state government will continue to collaborate with traditional institutions and community stakeholders to bring meaningful development to Orolu Kingdom.”

He commended the people for their unity and developmental zeal, describing Orolu Day as a model for other communities.

The Chairman of the Day, Aare Musbaudeen Yemi Adesina, SAN, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of unity among neighbouring communities, particularly Ifon-Osun, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun.

He appealed to parents to invest in the moral and academic upbringing of their children and urged the youth to remain focused on personal growth, skill acquisition, and constructive engagement to secure a prosperous future. Leading by example, the eminent legal luminary mobilised generous donations toward the N5 billion development fund and encouraged others to support the developmental aspirations of the kingdom.

The event featured cultural displays, musical performances, and moments of communal bonding, culminating in the successful launch of the N5 billion development initiative—an ambitious community-driven project expected to accelerate infrastructural development, enhance social amenities, and strengthen the economic prospects of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom.

The 2025 Orolu Day Celebration once again reinforced the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and progress that defines the Orolu people. With renewed commitments, strengthened partnerships, and a clear vision for the future, the kingdom continues to stride confidently toward sustained development and prosperity for all.