Ijebu Ife 2025: Oba Oguntayo Prays for Indigenes, Urges Unity and Collaboration for Greater Progress

The Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife, Oba Afolorunsho Oguntayo, JP, has showered heartfelt prayers on all indigenes of the town, both at home and in the diaspora, calling for renewed unity, collaboration, and collective commitment toward the sustained growth and development of the ancient community.

The revered monarch made the call on Saturday during the grand finale of the 2025 Ijebu-Ife Day Celebration, a colourful three-day fiesta that brought together illustrious sons and daughters of the town from across Nigeria and beyond.

In his royal address, Oba Oguntayo stressed that the progress and prosperity of Ijebu-Ife depend on the shared responsibility of its people, urging all to work together in harmony. He prayed for peace, abundance, and divine favour upon the land and its indigenes.

“When things go well for our people, they will always remember home and invest in it. We must all work together for the progress of our land,” the monarch declared.

The event, which began on Thursday, featured a variety of activities including a health walk, medical outreach at the Ajalorun Palace, indoor games, and football matches. The festivities continued with the lively Ikokore Night, a beauty pageant, and award presentations, culminating in a grand finale filled with colour, music, and funfair.

Entertainment reached its peak with outstanding performances from top artistes — Fuji maestro King Saheed Osupa thrilled the audience during the Ikokore Night, while Apala Disco legend Alhaji Musiliu Aruna Ishola set the grand finale ablaze with his electrifying show.

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Expressing gratitude, Oba Oguntayo commended invited guests, community leaders, chiefs, baales, committee members, and all socio-cultural groups under Ijebu-Ife for their unwavering support and participation.

“This celebration is not just a social event, it is a time for unity, prayer, and reflection. Ijebu-Ife has a proud history, and we must continue to build upon the legacy we inherited. Our land is destined for greatness, and together we shall make it so,” the royal father affirmed.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government, Hon. Oluwadare Kehinde, reiterated the council’s readiness to partner with the community in driving sustainable development, while calling on all stakeholders to play active roles in the town’s progress.

> “The government alone cannot do it all. We need collective effort, patience, and perseverance to achieve meaningful development. Every contribution, no matter how small, supports our Kabiyesi’s vision and advances our community,” he said.

Many attendees described the 2025 Ijebu-Ife Day as one of the most colourful and well-organized editions in recent times, a true celebration of the town’s rich cultural heritage, unity, and resilient spirit.

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