The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Haastrup, has given his royal endorsement to the proposed Ijesaland Development Fund (IDF), describing it as a noble initiative aimed at preserving the vision of the Ijesa ancestors and advancing the prosperity of the land.
The endorsement came when the Chairman of the Ijesaland Community Development Assembly (ICDA), Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, led an ICDA delegation on a courtesy visit to the Owa’s Palace in Ilesa.
During the meeting, Oba Haastrup expressed deep satisfaction with the progressive interventions of the ICDA across various sectors in Ijesaland, noting that the organisation has stayed true to the dreams of the Ijesa progenitors.
“I am very pleased with what the ICDA has been doing across Ijesaland. These efforts mirror the vision of our forebears, and I urge all well-meaning Ijesa sons and daughters to continue supporting this noble journey,” the monarch said.
In a remarkable show of commitment to youth empowerment, the ICDA also announced the disbursement of ₦9 million in grants to trainees of the Leventis Foundation Agricultural School, Ilesa.
The financial support, according to the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, is part of the assembly’s effort to fulfil its promise of supporting graduates of the agricultural training program.
Asiwaju Fasuyi explained that the gesture was not only to empower the beneficiaries but also to help them access loans from institutions like the Bank of Industry and the Agricultural Development Bank for sustainable agribusiness ventures.
He further used the occasion to provide insight into the structure of the IDF, stressing that the fund is open to every Ijesa person aged 21 and above, as well as non-indigenes who have benefited economically from Ijesaland.
“The contribution ranges from as little as ₦1,000 to as much as ₦1 million annually. It’s not about the amount, but the collective commitment to build Ijesaland. We are targeting a formal rollout in January 2026,” Fasuyi said.
He emphasized that the IDF is designed to benefit all six local government areas in Ijesaland. To ensure inclusivity and proper project targeting, local needs assessment committees comprising 10 to 11 members will be constituted at the ward level across the councils.
“Development is not accidental. It requires a people’s shared vision and sacrifice. What a few Ijesa patriots have done with billions of naira proves that a united people can rebuild their homeland,” he added.
As a testament to its impact, the ICDA was credited with birthing several landmark projects in Ijesaland, including the new Owa’s Palace, the Ijesa Geriatric Centre, and the University of Ilesa.
The group has also championed scholarship support for indigent students of the Federal School of Science and Technology, Ilesa, and the Leventis trainees.
The courtesy visit witnessed the presence of high-ranking traditional rulers and community leaders, including the Ogboni of Ipole, Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oloja of Ibodi, Ado Oko of Ido Oko, Ogboni of Ilesa, Apetu of Ipetu Ijesa, Loro of Ilesa, Onikoti of Ikoti, Risa of Ijamo, and Losare of Isare.
Also in the entourage of the Asiwaju were Elder Lowo Adeniyi, Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Olatunbosun, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Prince Ademola Adeyeye, and Mrs Yemisi Falope.
