By Jimmy Fatunbi
The Lagos/Ogun Branch of the Ijagbo Descendants’ Union (IDU) marked its 6th anniversary in a grand celebration, hosting the Onijagbo of Ijagbo, Oba Sarafadeen Adeniyi Buhari Babalola I (Ilufemiloye), along with other dignitaries from Ijagbo land.
The event took place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Club House, Danny Estate, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos. IDU is an association dedicated to the sons and daughters of Ijagbo, both at home and abroad, focusing on the development of Ijagbo and supporting its members and natives in various capacities.
Established in 2018, the Lagos/Ogun wing of IDU has grown significantly. The Vice-Chairman of IDU Lagos/Ogun Branch and chairman of the organizing committee, Mr. Toyin Oyawoye, delivered the welcome address.
Oba Sarafadeen Babalola, the royal father in attendance, expressed his delight at the occasion and encouraged Ijagbo people in Lagos, Ogun, and abroad to excel in all their endeavors to celebrate their heritage.
“I am grateful to God for giving us productive, proactive, and prosperous Ijagbo indigenes in Lagos and Ogun States. This year’s anniversary is indeed an attestation of our presence and participation towards contributing positively to the development of our motherland, Kwara State, and Nigeria at large,” he said.
The national chairman of IDU, represented by Alhaji Yekeen Dere, Chairman of IDU Lagos/Ogun Branch, also spoke at the event, highlighting some of IDU’s achievements since its establishment. These include providing medical and food palliatives to Ijagbo people, paying monthly stipends to the Ijagbo cottage hospital attendant, donating bedsheets and pillowcases to the same hospital, constructing public toilets, digging boreholes at Ijagbo Orisunbare market, providing financial support to the needy, and forming a cooperative society.
Representing Ijagbo indigenes in North America, Mr. Yinka Dipe expressed his delight in a text message about the anniversary and promised continued involvement.
Accompanying Kabiyesi were Ijagbo Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohamed Mufatau Jamiu; CAN Chairman, Pastor Olajire Aasa; Olora, Alhaji Mohammed Mudasiru Ajiboye; Odogun, High Chief Adebiyi Adeshina; Eewe, High Chief Moronranti Agboola; and Balogun, High Chief Maliki Sarafadeen Oyewale.
Other notable attendees included Alhaji and Alhaja Ogunleye, Prince Ayo Fagbemi, Chief Tunde Adesina, Elder J.O. Toyinbo, Mr. J.O. Adeoye, and Alhaja Rekiat Adeyemo. The IDU Secretary, Bar. Janet Obadare; Financial Secretary, Mallam Abudulwahaab Lawal; PRO; and Mr. Taiwo Asa (Snr) among other executives.
