Ooni Reconstitutes Ife Development Institutions, Appoints Prominent Ifes as Heads, Members

The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has announced the reconstitution of some key development institutions in the city.

The Palace in a press release signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare announced the realignment of the Ife Development Board(IDB), the Ife Board of Trustees(IBoT) and the Ife Trust Fund(ITF).

The Palace also announced the appointment of prominent Ifes as heads and members of the reformed institutions including 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 as President of the Ife Development Board; Nigeria's business magnate and Asiwaju of Ife Kingdom, Chief Alex Adekunle Duduyemi as Chairman of the Ife Board of Trustees and a seasoned Projects Finance, Environmental and Company Law Expert of over 30 years experience, Mr. Soji Awogbade as Chairman of the Ife Trust Fund.

The move for the restructuring according to the release, is akin on the need to reposition the Ife community for positive transformation. 

The statement further added that a ceremony for the official inauguration of the newly reconstituted istitutions will be held on Saturday, 29th June, 2024 at the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife by 5pm.

See the full press release below

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 LATER THIS MONTH 

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 of a collectivity mantra: OMODE GBON AGBA GBON L'A FI DA'LE IFE, hereby officially announce the realignments and reconstitutions of the below listed 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 34 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 administrator who has a tremendous network of influence with major stakeholders across various human interests as it's new President, to be supported by a Media Relation strategist who worked with the former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as a 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, and now the Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Solid Mineral, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan as 2nd Vice-president while the Human Resources Expert, Director General of Flannel Business School and former General Manager of Ikeja Golf Club and Controller of Human Capital Development of Lagos Airport Hotel, Lagos will serve as ISecretary General for the various developmental institutions. Also, a number of other distinguished Ifes sons and daughters, 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, a emthiteen 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 over 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 Senator Baba Jide Omoworare, an Ibadan based successful publisher cum 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 to 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 is 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 Majesty 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, 29th June 2024, at 5:00 PM, at the Ile Oodua Palace grounds 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 Sijuwade 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 (IONA) Member 

Mr. Goke Adesakin Member 

Mr Femi Adebayo (ITF Rep ) Member 

Lion Ladi Awotinde Member 

Prince Martins Awofisayo Member 

Mr. Olalekan Awofisayo Member 

Sooko Adefolahan Ibiyemi Member 

Prince Adefarakan Adebanjo Member 

Chief Bode Thomas Oluwole Member 

Chief Collins Aworeni Member 

Chief Yemi Oriowo Member

Princess Bukola Okiji 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 and Comrade Lawrence Awowoyin

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

Major Gen.l Adedoja Taiwo - Member

Architect Tokunbo Omisore - Member 

Mr. Razak Adewole - Member

Prince Aderemi Sijuwade - Member

Mr. Debo Olujimi - Member

Mr. Seun Babatunde. - Member 

Prince Lupo Aderemi - Member 

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.