The second phase of Ojaja Park and Residences, known as Ojaja Villa, was officially launched on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The low-key groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo, who emphasized the importance of traditional rulers contributing to societal development beyond government initiatives.
“The vision being championed by the Ooni is to show that development is not solely the responsibility of the government. Traditional rulers also have a role to play,” Oba Adebayo stated.
“Let us support the government by creating employment opportunities for our youth. Over 3,000 young people are currently working on this project. The Ooni has undertaken similar initiatives in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Lagos, with plans for Abeokuta, Ibadan, and soon, Ekiti.”, he continued.
The Olowa of Igbara Oke, Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, also commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for bringing the project to Ondo State. He highlighted its potential to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
“This second phase will further enhance development. If Phase 1 has already engaged 3,000 youths, Phase 2 will generate even more employment opportunities,” Oba Agbede remarked. “Beyond job creation, this initiative will boost socioeconomic activities and attract investments to the area.”
Addressing journalists after the event, Ooni Ogunwusi dedicated Ojaja Park Phase 2 to Nigerian youth, stressing the need for traditional institutions to take an active role in national development.
“We are creating an enabling environment for employment and youth empowerment. If similar projects are replicated across different regions, they will help curb youth restiveness and attract investments, including from the diaspora,” the Ooni stated.
He further emphasized that development should not be restricted to any single location. “People ask why Akure instead of Ife. My focus is on development, regardless of location. We are expanding our efforts beyond Ife and Ondo State to other parts of the country.”
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, later joined other traditional rulers in offering prayers for the first buyer of an acre of land in the Ojaja Villa section. The buyer, a US-based indigene of Ondo State, made an initial payment of ₦400 million for the property.
With Ojaja Park’s expansion, traditional rulers are demonstrating a new model of leadership—actively driving community development rather than waiting for government intervention.
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