As the citizen of Ilobu celebrate the 50th anniversary of Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan’s reign, the community reflects on the remarkable achievements and advancements that have defined his leadership.
Oba Olaniyan reign has unwavering commitment to progress and development has been instrumental in transforming Ilobu into a thriving hub of education and opportunity.
In his welcome address on Saturday, 25th May 2024, at the grand finale of the celebration which has been taking place for the last two weeks, the Chairman Central planning committee of the ceremony, Alhaji Wahab Falowo said that Oba Olaniyan has been a beacon of selflessness, compassion and dedicated to the well-being of his community over the past five years.
He noted that his vision has not only inspired generations but has also driven significant educational and political advancements in Ilobu.
He added that political representation and leadership within Ilobu have also flourished, which has seen its sons and daughters rise to prominent positions.
According to him “Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan’s reign has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to our kingdoms progress and development. His tireless efforts have transformed our community and his vision has inspired generations.
“Over the past five decades. His Royal Majesty has been a shining example of selflessness, compassion and to the well-being of our community. His unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ilobu inspiring and his guidance has been instrumental in shaping our town into the thriving hub that it is today.
“As we reflect on the past 50 years, we remember the countless achievements, breakthroughs, and triumphs that have defined Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan’s reign. His Majesty’s foresight and wisdom have navigated us through times of challenges, successes and changes, always prioritizing the betterment of our people. Under his reign, a son of the soil rose to the position of the Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, the number Six person in the country and that’s Rt. Hon Sulaiman Lasun Yusuf.
” The rise of llobu indigenes in political space started with the Late Bar. Ayo Ojewumi, a brilliant member of the state cabinet in the Old Oyo State. We have also, in the recent past, produced the Secretary to Osun State Government, Engineer Abdul Ganiy “Sola Akinwumi and Late Chief Mrs Oluremi Wilson, who occupied important positions in the Governments of Oyo and Osun States in the past. She was a Commissioner for Finance and Commissioner for Information during the Governor Oyinlola led administration in Osun State, among other important positions she occupied in her life time. History will not forget a brilliant and dedicated lawyer and politician; Late Bar Mikhail Adejare Adebisi, a former Deputy Chief of staff to Governor Oyinlola in Osun State and other great politicians that have occupied exalted positions in Osun State and Nigeria. In the Civil Service, llobu has recently produced the Clerk to the National Assembly, while the journey to the top echelon could be traced to the era of Alh Jamiu Isola Adepoju in the Civil Service of Oyo and Osun States. My humble self also rose to the position of the Deputy Registrar at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Currently, we have Accountant General, Auditor General for Local Governments in Osun State and Pioneer Deputy Clerk, Osun State House of Assembly, several Permanent Secretaries.
“In the years under review. Late Asiwaju of llobuland, Alhaji Hassan Olasupo Arogundade reached the peak of his career by becoming the Managing Director of Trans International Bank. In the Military, Ilobu currently has a son serving as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In terms of educational development, llobu has moved from a community with two public secondary schools to seven, while we have lots of private schools in our community. The community is also housing a tertiary institution – Westland Polytechnic. No family house in llobu is without a university graduate, while several professors have been produced in llobu.
“This anniversary is not only the celebration of His Majesty’s remarkable reign but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions that make Ilobu unique. We honor the legacy of our ancestors and the resilience of our community, which has flourished leadership of His Royal Majesty.
“As we look into the future, we are filled with hope and optimism that His Majesty’s continued guidance and wisdom will propel our community towards even greater heights.
Also speaking the President of Ilobu Development Union, Pastor Olufemi Salako also emphasized the progress of the town for the past 50 years.
He said ” As you know that 50 years is not a joke in the life of a man, if you live to be 50 you celebrate how much more when you are on a royal throne for 50 years.
“Thank God for the life of our king, we know all the progress, and landmark achievements that he has achieved, and we know that it worth celebrating .
