Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has lauded the Ijesa people as an exceptionally enterprising group with an illustrious record of accomplishments at local, national, and international levels.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Ijesha Hall of Fame, the Governor described the initiative as a landmark achievement that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of the Ijesa people to society.
Attending the event alongside members of the State Executive Council, Governor Adeleke noted that the vision championed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, confirms the monarch’s status as a modern leader equipped to drive economic, political, and social progress in Ijeshaland and Osun State.
The Governor expressed his deep-rooted affection for the Ijesa people, citing his long-standing relationships with both the late Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and the current Owa Obokun, whom he described as a torchbearer of innovation in traditional governance.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the region, specifically highlighting the transformation of Ilesa into a university town.
He emphasized that the state government successfully turned the University of Ilesa into a reality, appointing Ijesa indigenes to lead as both the Chairman of the Governing Board and the Vice Chancellor.
With 95 courses now accredited and internal infrastructure undergoing reconstruction, the Governor also announced that the dual carriageway connecting the Palace to the Brewery Junction would soon be commissioned.
He further encouraged Ijesa sons and daughters to fulfill their financial pledges to support the university’s expanding academic and infrastructural requirements.
Earlier in the program, His Imperial Majesty, the Owa Obokun Adimula, issued a stern warning against political violence ahead of the forthcoming state and national elections.
Lamenting the recent loss of lives within Ijeshaland, the monarch vowed that the palace would no longer tolerate thuggery or bloodbath.
He charged political leaders to restrain their followers, cautioning that sponsors of violence and their families face severe traditional and legal sanctions, including potential banishment and ostracization from the community.
The Ijesha Hall of Fame was established by the palace to honor and immortalize individuals of Ijesa descent who have made significant contributions to the development of their homeland.
The ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a call for continued peace and unity in the pursuit of regional growth.