06/06/2024
[PRESS RELEASE:
OMODE GBON, AGBA GBON
L’AFI DA ILE-IFE.
AND
ILE-IFE IN A NEW LIGHT!
OONI APPOINTS ELUDOYIN, OMISORE, DUDUYEMI, ADEFAYE, OTHERS FOR IFE DEVELOPMENT, INAUGURATES THREE BOARDS ON SATURDAY.
Sequel to extensive consultations and robust deliberations between the palace and relevant stakeholders ensuring a balanced blend of the wisdom of the elders with the fresh perspectives of the younger generation needed for a more advanced and well-rounded community, embracing the knowledge and experiences of different age groups capable of paving the way for progress and innovation, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, driven by the spirit collectivity mantra: OMODE GBON AGBA GBON L'A FI DA'LE IFE, above well elucidated, hereby official announcement of realignments and reconstitutions of the belowlisted institutions saddled with the responsibilities of repositioning the community for desirable advancement:
Ife Development Board (IDB),
Ife Board of Trustees (IBoT)
Ife Trust Fund (ITF)
IFE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB)
The reconstituted 33 member Ife Development Board (IDB) which now has a past president of Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), former Managing Editor/CEO of Vanguard Newspapers and current Provost of Nigeria Institute of Journalism(NIJ), Mr. GBENGA ADEFAYE, a seasoned journalist and adminintrator who has a tremendous network of influence with major stakeholders across as it's new President, to be supported by a Media Relation strategist who former Governor Ajimobi's SA on Media and Strategy, Dr. Yomi Layinka as 1st Vice President and former Chief Press Secretary to the then Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State and former Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA in Lagos who later served as Governor Ambode's Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan as 2nd Vice-president while the Human Resources Expert and former General Manager of Lagos Airport Hotel, Lagos will serve as IDB's Secretary General. Also, a number of other distinguished Ifes sons and daughters a, home and abroad(below listed) have been carefully selected to reinvent IDB as an organisation with focus on developmental issues concerning Ife following the dissolution of the erstwhile board.
IFE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (IBoT)
In the same vein, an eleven member Ife Board of Trustees (IBoT) comprising the elders has been constituted to serve in advisory capacity among others to the new IDB and the entire community providing guidance for the smooth coordination of our dear cradle city of Ile-Ife. The Board of Trustees of Ife Development Board parades influential personalities like the Chairman of JKN Group and past President of NACCIMA, Chief Agboola Odeyemi, a former Deputy Governor of OSUN state and immediate Past National Secretary of the ruling APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, an international business guru and a quiet great philanthropist, Prince Eludipo Elusanmi Eludoyin fondly called OOSA, a grassroot political mathematician and former National Secretary of the PDP, Professor Wale Oladipo among others will be led by the Nigeria's business magnate and Asiwaju of Ife Kingdom, Chief Alex Adekunle Duduyemi.
IFE TRUST FUND (ITF)
The Ife Trust Fund (ITF) which will be chaired by a seasoned Projects Finance, Environmental and Company Law Expert of 30 years experience, Mr. Soji Awogbade has equally been restructured to comprise additional eighteen Ife sons and daughters including the immediate MD/CEO of ECOBANK Plc, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole SAN, an erudite Professor of Tax, Professor BIOLA Sanni SAN, an intellectual property legal luminary, Professor Bambo Adewopo SAN, former Lagos State legislator, twice member of the Nigerian Senate and immediate Past Presidential Advisor on NASS, an Ibadan based successful publisher cm business wizard Chief Sunday Obiyinka and a host of others who will be able to support the developmental yearnings and aspirations of the city of Ile-Ife.
The new Ife leadership arrangement is to bring all stakeholders together; "OMODE GBON AGBA GBON LA FI DA'LE IFE"to enable them work together in the best interest of all and the community. This synchronization of elders' and younger generation's wisdom can positively impact the community in several ways including but not limited to Intergenerational knowledge transfer, collaborative problem-solving, cultural preservation and innovation, mentorship and guidance, community cohesion and understanding, preservation of history and legacy, empowerment and leadership development, strengthening community bonds and so on. By synchronizing their wisdom, elders and younger generations can create a powerful synergy, enriching the community with a rich tapestry of knowledge, experience, and innovation.
In a bold move towards progress and growth, Ile-Ife under Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has embarked on a transformative journey to redefine and reposition itself for a promising future. With a renewed dedication to positive change, the community is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and vibrant environment for all residents. This can only be done successfully with collective efforts.
Driven by the shared values of unity, collaboration, and innovation, the community members have come together strongly determined, to pave way for transformative initiatives that will impact the lives of individuals and families alike. Through open dialogue, active engagement, and a collective vision for a better tomorrow, Ile-Ife is striving to create a thriving and progressive community that serves as a beacon of inspiration for others.
AROLE ODUDUWA strongly believes in the power of unity and the limitless potential that lies within our community. By embracing change and taking proactive steps towards repositioning ourselves, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future,"
It his fervent belief that the journey towards transformation is never easy, but with a shared commitment to change and progress, Ile-Ife is poised to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. By working hand in hand, residents, leaders, and stakeholders can create a community that thrives on inclusivity, creativity, and resilience.
In view of the aforementioned, we hereby request all and sundry home and in diaspora, to join in this inspiring journey as our father; Arole Oduduwa brings us together to shape a better future for ILE_IFE and all who call it home. Together, we can build a community that stands as a testament to the power of unity and the limitless potential of positive change. His Imperial Majestty urged all Ifes, home and abroad to pray for the success of these institutions at all times.
The event to officially inaugurate these boards
is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 15th June 2024, at 2:00 PM, at the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni of Ife.
This inauguration will mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to foster sustainable development and cultural preservation within the Ile-Ife community. The newly appointed members of these critical bodies are tasked with spearheading initiatives that will drive economic growth, preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ile-Ife highlighting the importance of unity, progress, and community engagement.
IFE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB)
Mr. Gbenga Adefaye - President
Chief Yomi Layinka - Vice President
Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan -Vice President
Mr. Lawrence Omidiora - Secretary General
Prince Tokunbo Sijiwade Member
Prof. Wale Olawoyin SAN Member
Prof. Soji Adedoyin Member
Dr. Akin Awofolaju Member
Dr. Gbenga Olowo Member
Dr. Sina Babasola Member
Hon. Justice Yinka Afolabi Member
Mag. Lekan Ijiyode Member
Barr. Yemi Adetise Member
Engr.Wuyi Adetoogun Member
Engr. Dr. Olakunle Omisore Member
Chief Mrs. Bisi Onasanya Member
Mrs. Busayo Obisakin Member
Mrs. Adenike Iyelolu Member
Ms. Nike Kolawole Member
Mr Lawrence Awoyemi Member
Mr Bimbola Oladimeji Member
Rev. Isaac Egbewole Member
Mr. Goke Adesakin Member
Mr Femi Adebayo ITF Rep Member
Lion Ladi Awotinde Member
Pharm. Martins Awofisayo Member
Mr. Olalekan Awofisayo Member
Sooko Adefolahan Onitemi Member
Prince Adefarakan Adebanjo Member
Chief Bode Thomas Oluwole Member
Chief Collins Aworeni Member
Chief Yemi Oriowo Member
IFE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (IBoT)
Asiwaju Alex Duduyemi Chairman
Chief Agboola Odeyemi Dep. Chairman
Senator Iyiola Omisore. Vice Chairman
Prince Isola Aderemi Member
Prince Eludipo E. Eludoyin Member
Prof. Muheeb Opeloye Member
Prof. Wale Oladipo Member
Prof. Mrs. Bunmi Afolabi Member
Chief Mrs. Ladun Lawal Member
Alhaji Saka Fawole Member
Dr. Gboladd Famoriyo Member
Prince Kunle Aderemi Member
IFE TRUST FUND (ITF)
Mr Soji Awogbade - Chairman
Mr Patrick Akinwuntan - Member
Prof. Wahab Egbewole - Member
Prof. Abiola Sanni SAN - Member
Prof. Bambo Adewopo SAN - Member
Prince Ade Adefioye - Member
Prince Demola Awofiranye - Member
Senator Jide Omoworare - Member
Hon. Ipoola Ahmed Omisore - Member
Dr. Hakeeb Ajilesoro - Member
Mr Lekan Elugbaju - Member
Mrs. Olusola Ibidapo-Obe - Member
Mr Olufemi Adebayo - Member
Prince Timothy Arowoogun - Member
Chief Sunday Obiyinka - Member
Chief Mrs. Akanke B. Olaobaju - Member
Mrs. Temilomo Lawal - Member
Mrs. Mayowa Kuforiji - Member
Mr. Wole Akinleye - Member
Mr Yemi Abaolu Johnson - Member
Prince Adeolu Aderemi - Member
Princess Bukola Okiji - Member
Major Gen.l Adedoja Taiwo - Member
Architect Tokunbo Omisore - Member
Mr. Razak Adewole - Member
Prince Aderemi Sijiwade - Member
Mr. Debo Olujimi - Member
Mr. Seun Babatunde. - Member
Prince Lupo Aderemi - Member
As this inauguration represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a more prosperous and a vibrant Ile-Ife, the ceremony will bring together esteemed dignitaries, community leaders, and stakeholders committed to the advancement of Ile-Ife the sacred seat of Oduduwa.
Together, we will build a legacy of progress, unity, and cultural pride for future generations. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, honoring our heritage while paving the way for a brighter future for all citizens of Ife.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni's Palace.