Ayete National Day 2024: Barr. Opeyemi Tijani Honours Cultural Heritage, Celebrates Community Unity, and Welcomes Distinguished Guests

An illustrious son of the soil, Bar. Opeyemi Tijani (BOT) has extended his heartfelt felicitation to His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi JP, the Asawo of Ayete Land, the Ayete Council of Chiefs, the Ayete Senate, the Ayete Progressive Union (APU) leadership, the Ayete Day organizing committee, and all Ayete descendants both at home and abroad as the community marks its Ayete National Day celebration. This week-long cultural festival, which commenced with a church service on December 1, 2024, and included various activities such as press briefings, palace visits, environmental clean-ups, cultural performances, tourism and sports engagements, an excursion to Abinuoro Hills, lectures, and friendly matches, culminates in a grand finale on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Baptist High School, Ayete.

Among the special guests expected to grace the closing ceremony are prominent figures and political leaders across Oyo State. Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS), Chairman/CEO of Ilaji Sports and Resorts, will serve as Chief Launcher, while Dr. Olusola Ayandele (Eruobodo) will act as Chairman of the Day. Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the Distinguished Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, and Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi will be honoured as Father and Mother of the Day, respectively.

A key highlight of this year’s celebration is the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished individuals, most notably the honour bestowed upon Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi as the Yèyé m’ẹ̀tọ́ of Ayete Land by the Asawo of Ayete. BOT commends this recognition, lauding Dr. (Mrs.) Ajimobi’s enduring legacy of service and noting that her new title reflects a recognition of her significant contributions to the development of Oyo State and the welfare of its people.

During her tenure as First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajimobi spearheaded wide-ranging initiatives under the Access to Basic Care (ABC) Foundation—such as free food distribution, cancer awareness campaigns, healthcare support, and the Educate-A-Rural-Child program. These efforts demonstrated her dedication to uplifting communities, supporting women and children, and empowering vulnerable groups through education, healthcare, and sustainable economic strategies. BOT expressed admiration for her visionary leadership, philanthropic spirit, and capacity to inspire transformative change.

He also appreciates the remarkable efforts of Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi, the Asawo of Ayete Land, in promoting unity, stability, and advancement within the community. As preparations for the 250-million-naira appeal fund to complete the Ayete ICT Centre take centre stage, BOT urges all citizens to work collectively towards ongoing progress. By uniting behind common goals and fostering development, the people of Ayete Land can ensure that the rich cultural legacy celebrated throughout this festive week will continue to thrive for generations to come.