IJAYE, Ogun State – The Balogun of Ijaye Land and Aare Onakakanfo of Egbaland, Balogun Lai Labode (Prof.), on Saturday celebrated his first anniversary on the throne with a colourful programme featuring interfaith prayers, installation of five traditional chiefs, the unveiling of a community security initiative, and the empowerment of residents with ₦2.1 million.
The event attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the Ijaye Traditional Council, sons and daughters of the ancient town, and guests from across Egbaland and neighbouring communities.
The celebration began with an interfaith prayer session led by representatives of the Muslim, Christian and traditional religious communities, who offered prayers for peace, unity and security in Nigeria, Ogun State and Ijaye Land.
Representing the Chief Imam of Ijaye, Chief Imam of Abese Mosque, Chief Olamimo, led the Muslim prayers, while Mrs. Fasola prayed on behalf of the Christian community. Traditional prayers were offered by the Oluwo of Ijaye, Chief Mutiu Adeyemi, representing the Ogboni and indigenous worshippers.
Addressing the gathering, Balogun Lai Labode urged the people of Ijaye to remain united and committed to the values of truth, justice and love. He dedicated the anniversary prayers to Nigeria’s security, seeking divine intervention against kidnappers and terrorists, while also praying for the safe release of the headmistress, teachers and pupils recently abducted in Ogbomoso.
A documentary highlighting the monarch’s first year in office was later presented, showcasing various cultural, developmental and community-building initiatives undertaken since his installation. Community leaders and residents commended his leadership, describing it as impactful and instrumental in restoring the visibility and pride of Ijaye within Egbaland.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the Balogun unveiled the Ijaye Security Watch, a youth-based community security initiative designed to complement existing security efforts. He disclosed that the programme was conceived after extensive consultations with community elders.
Twenty youths were immediately shortlisted for training under the initiative, a move widely applauded by residents as a proactive response to growing security concerns across the country.
The cultural highlight of the celebration was the installation of five new chiefs into the Ijaye Traditional Council. Those installed were Chief Adewale Adeola as Shakotun of Ijayeland, Chief Olawale Sabitu as Agoro of Ijayeland, Chief Mikhail Olatunde as Tayese of Ijayeland, Chief Alimi Tunde as Oluomo of Ijayeland, and Chief Ola Abiose as Giwa of Ijayeland.
The installation rites were performed by the Iyalode of Ijaye Land and Aare Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alhaja Sikirat Ejide Sokopao, assisted by other senior chiefs including the Oluwo Ogboni of Ijayeland, Chief Adeyemi Mutiu; the Seriki of Ijayeland, Chief Adetona; the Otun of Ijayeland, Chief Olaitan; and the Osi of Ijayeland, Chief Eyiowuawi Musbau.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Olu of Itori Land, Oba Akamo Fatai, alongside several distinguished guests.
Following the traditional rites, Balogun Lai Labode presented the newly installed chiefs with the symbols of their offices, including traditional beads, caps and staffs of office, while charging them to serve the community with integrity, loyalty and unwavering respect for tradition.
The celebration took another exciting turn when the Balogun announced a surprise empowerment programme worth ₦2.1 million.
He selected six children from the audience and directed members of the Traditional Council to nominate six additional beneficiaries, making a total of 12 recipients. Eleven beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each, while one beneficiary emerged winner of the grand prize of ₦1 million.
After a brief assessment conducted by the Jagunmolu of Ijaye Land, Chief Afuape, the grand prize was awarded to the Atunluse of Ijaye Land, Chief Omotara Nurudeen Olawale, whose emergence was greeted with loud applause and jubilation.
Congratulating the beneficiary, the Seriki of Ijayeland, Chief Adetona, described the award as recognition for Chief Omotara’s dedication and unwavering service to the Ijaye Traditional Council, while also paying tribute to his late father, Alhaji Chief Omotara Aminu, for his meritorious contributions to the community.
Speaking after the presentation, Balogun Lai Labode assured residents that more empowerment initiatives would follow, stressing that his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of the people.
“I have just completed one year on the throne, and there is still so much to accomplish. This is only the beginning. We will continue to pursue programmes that promote unity, development and prosperity for Ijaye Land,” he said.
The celebration ended with final prayers, cultural performances, music and entertainment, as guests commended the event for successfully combining tradition, spirituality, security consciousness and community development.
Many attendees described the anniversary as a fitting reflection of Balogun Lai Labode’s first year of leadership and expressed optimism that his reign would continue to foster peace, progress and greater opportunities for the people of Ijaye.
