Idanre Development Assembly Honours Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chief Akindeko Others For Impactful Lives
The Idanre Development Assembly (IDA) has Honoured five distinguished individuals of Idanre origin that have made unprecedented contributions towards the development the Community in the recent past.
IDA at the event honoured three illustrious living descendants—Chief Sir Pius Oluwole Akinyelure, Justice Sunday Akinola Akintan, and Chief Princess Omolara Ogomudia nee Ogunlowo—and two posthumously: Prince Afolabi Ayinuola and High Chief Gabriel Akindeko at a special civic reception that was described as a testament to the significant contributions these individuals have made to the growth of Idanre and its people.
The people of the community thanked the leadership of Chief Engr. Benson Ajisegiri, Chairman of the 16-member Central Planning Committee, and Chief Dr. Anthony Omolola, President General of IDA for the event described as first of his kind in the history of the the community saying that their teamwork and the support of Idanre’s sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, ensured the event’s success.
Dignitaries, including Ondo State Governor His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, his cabinet, and numerous traditional leaders, attended the event held at Olofin Anglican Grammar School, Idanre. The hall was filled to capacity, with an overflow accommodated under a large canopy.
In his welcome address, Chief Dr. Anthony Omolola highlighted the honorees’ achievements and Idanre’s economic potentials in agriculture, tourism, and timber production. He called for the establishment of an institution of higher learning in Idanre and announced the formation of the Idanre Development Assembly Foundation (IDAF), to be chaired by Chief Sir Pius Oluwole Akinyelure.
Representing His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, High Chief Emmanuel Adetuyi addressed the gathering, outlining Idanre’s challenges, including bad roads and the need for higher education institutions. He praised the honorees and encouraged them to continue their good works.
Ondo State Commissioner for Water and Environmental Sanitation, Hon. Sunday Akinwalere, commended Chief Akinyelure for improving Idanre’s infrastructure and lauded Governor Ayedatiwa for his efforts to make water more accessible in Ondo State. He also announced the Governor’s prohibition on cutting economic trees like cocoa, crucial to Idanre’s economy.
Governor Ayedatiwa praised Chief Akinyelure for his contributions to society, urging others to emulate his example. Chief Akinyelure, in his speech, expressed gratitude and called for increased tourism and investment in Idanre. He pledged to address the issues raised by Oba Aroloye and encouraged Makanres to embrace farming.
Chief Engr. Benson Ajisegiri, in his vote of thanks, acknowledged the donors whose contributions totaled 25 million Naira in three weeks. He expressed deep appreciation to all attendees, particularly Governor Ayedatiwa and his cabinet.
The event was secured by various armed forces, ensuring a safe and successful celebration. Prominent Makanres, including Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, Dr. Olowokande, High Chief Iwalola Oladehin, Engr. Ademola Oyadare, and King Solomon Akinwoleola, praised the organizers for this landmark achievement.