Sustain Development Gains, Contribute To Community Growth-Oyo lawmaker
By Salam Saheed
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) were among dignitaries who attended the 2026 Irawo-Owode Day celebration in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State on Saturday.
The event, held at the Baptist Primary School playing ground, Irawo-Owode, featured the launch of a N500 million fundraising appeal for the construction of a modern palace and completion of the community town hall.
The celebration brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of Irawo-Owode and mobilise support for its development.
Speaking at the event, the serving lawmaker and APC candidate for the Saki West, Saki East and ATISBO Federal Constituency, Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, congratulated the sons and daughters of the community on their commitment to its growth and development.
The lawmaker urged the community to prioritise the achievements recorded so far, maximise the benefits of its collective efforts and take deliberate steps towards achieving greater development.
He charged the people to sustain their achievements and intensify efforts to attract more developmental projects to the community.
As part of his support for the initiative, the lawmaker donated ₦3 million towards the proposed construction of a modern palace and the completion of the community town hall.
The Chairman of the Irawo-Owode Day Planning Committee, Hon. Mufutau Aderibigbe, in his address, described the celebration as an avenue to promote unity, preserve the community’s cultural heritage and strengthen collective efforts towards development.
He expressed appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, traditional chiefs, youth groups and other stakeholders who contributed to the organisation of the event.
He urged indigenes, particularly those living outside the community, to remain committed to the development of their ancestral home and work towards making Irawo-Owode a model community in Oke-Ogun.
Quoting a Yoruba proverb, “Eni tó bá sọ ilé nù, ó sọ àpò ìyá rẹ̀ nù,” he emphasised the importance of preserving one’s roots and cultural identity.
The planning committee chairman also acknowledged the contributions of prominent sons of the community, including a former Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ganiyu Adeniran, popularly known as GASMA, and the late Hon. John Otunla, who initiated the maiden Irawo-Owode Day celebration in 2013.
He prayed for the repose of their souls and asked God to grant their families and the entire community the fortitude to bear their losses.
The traditional ruler of Irawo-Owode, Oba Jubril Adetunji Adeleke, the Daodu I and Olowode of Irawo-Owode, served as the royal father of the day appreciated those who came far and near to grace the epoch making event, said he would do everything possible to foster development to the area.
The lawmaker also chaired the event, while the chairman of ATISBO LG,Alhaji Hon. Alade Bashir Olumuyiwa, represented served as the chief host.
Other dignitaries at the event included the the Governor’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Hon. Adejumobi Samuel Ademola; and Dr. Elinah Yemisi Olanrewaju, who served as chairperson and Azeez Taiwo Hazan Oloyede,Esquire represented who served as the chief launcher.
Others at the event were Hon. Ridwan Gbadamosi, Hon. Alliu Tajudeen .
The programme featured prayers by Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers, goodwill messages and cultural displays celebrating the community’s heritage and shared aspirations.
The N500 million fundraising initiative is aimed at providing funds for the construction of a modern palace and the completion of the community town hall, projects expected to support the traditional institution and communal activities.