. . . Unveils 32-Member Committee for nine-day celebration

A 32-member Planning Committee has been inaugurated to oversee activities lined up for the 70th birthday of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, coming up in Ilesa, Osun State in October

Asiwaju Fasuyi, a national icon variously described as a very polished personality and a rising star of Ijesaland, will mark his 70th birthday with a nine-day event kicking off on 17 October, 2025.

The 70th birthday celebration, tagged “A Guests-Focused Celebration of Legacy and Impact,” will not be a mere ceremonial gathering, “but a historic celebration of seven impactful decades of excellence,

Selfless service, purposeful living, community building, and nation-enhancing service.”

The Planning Committee was sub-divided into other committees comprising a team of passionate members who will collaborate to ensure the success of the event.

As stated in a press release, members of the Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi @ 70 Planning Committee and the sub-committees for the birthday celebration include the following:

HRM Oba Engr Moses Olufemi Agunsoye (Chairman-General); Sir Folu Olamiti (Chairman, Media & Publicity); Rtd DIG Leye Oyebade, (Chairman, Security & Traffic); Engr Sola Ayeni, (Chairman, Logistics); Yeye Oba Mrs Yemisi Iyanda (Chairperson, Ijesa In Diaspora); Dr Yomi Layinka (Chairman, Ibadan Caucus); Dr Very Revd Biodun Ogunbekun (Chairman, Ijesa Societies & Clubs); HRM Oba Sunday Ishola Ibironke, Chairman Oriade Local Government Area Community); HRM Oba Ojarotade Adewale (Chairman, Atakumosa West Local Government Area Community).

Others are High Chief Ogboni Saka Fapohunda (Chairman, Ijesa Central Community);

HRM Oba Babatunde Adedeji (Chairman, Obokun Local Government Area Community); HRM Oba Teniola Omokehinde (Chairman, Atakumosa East Local Government Area Community).

Also in the committee are High Chief Yeyerise Bolanle Ojo (Chairperson, Ijesa Women Groups); Alagba Wale Idowu (Chairman, Programmes); Dr Prince Toyin Olalemi (Chairman, Special Guests & Venues Coordination); Chief Afolabi Igbaroola (Chairman, Protocols); Mr Bukola Fadipe (Chairman, Churches & Mosques).

Equally in the committee arePrince Lowo Adebiyi (Chairman, ICDA Coordination); Bobagunwa Remi Oyeyemi (Chairman, Tributes & Publication); Mr Sunday Igbaroola (Chairman, Finance & Accounts); Prince Ademola Adeyeye (Chairman, Invitation & Access Cards); Dr Ladi Fakoya (Chairman, Medical); Mrs Olabisi Awe (Chairperson, Ijesa Markets);

Mr Gbenga Sadiku (Chairman, Ijesa Trade & Vocational Groups); Chief Mrs Yemisi Falope (Chairperson, Catering Coordination); Chief Akin Olatunbosun (Chairman, Beverages & Drinks Coordination); Chief Mrs Jumoke Olafadehan (Chairperson, Small Chops Coordination).

The rest are Engr Busayo Aluko (Chairman, Photographs, Videos, Online Streaming & Documentation; Chief Oladiran Fasuyi-Enang (Chairman Fasuyi & Relatives Families); Mr Sunday Owoborode (Chairman, Ijesa Youths); Mr Deji Araoye: Chairman Accommodation; and Prince Ademola Adeyoju (Secretary/Chairman Secretariat).

The life of Asiwaju Fasuyi was described as one of transformational influence touching individuals, institutions, and communities across Ijesaland, Osun State, and beyond.

“Living up to the age of 70 in present-day Nigeria, a country often beset with natural and man-made catastrophes, is a rare grace that calls for deep thanksgiving.

“As such, this celebration will not only reflect the celebrant’s exceptional journey but also radiate gratitude, reflection, and rejoicing.

“The upcoming nine-day long celebration is a continuation of a cherished tradition that the Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi immediate and extended constituencies always anticipated with great pride.

“The uniqueness of this Platinum Jubilee lies in the deliberate curation of each day’s event, every segment designed to leave a memorable impact, encapsulating faith, culture and celebration,” it was stated.

Services will be held in the mosque, church, and traditional place of worship, providing an opportunity for spiritual reflection on the celebrant’s journey through life.

There will be orchestra presentation, a soul-lifting rendition of Classical and Christian folk music in praise of the Almighty God, with all the events carrying a profound message and memorable takeaway.

“The celebration further reflects Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi’s deeply rooted ties to his community, as Ijesa Sports Club dedicates an entire day in honour of one of their beloved patrons.

“In the same spirit of compassion, there would be a visit to the orphanages to underscore the celebrant’s lifelong empathy and humility toward the less privileged,” it was added in the release.

One of the cultural highlights will be the Birthday Commemorative Ayo Game, a foremost traditional outdoor pastime of Ijesaland, demonstrating the preservation of the heritage of the Ijesas, while celebrating a worthy custodian of it.

There will also be two public lectures to serve as intellectual elixirs, stirring minds and mobilising support for continued development within and beyond Ijesaland.

As a fitting crescendo, the event will witness Ijesa and non-Ijesa in the Diaspora rolling out the drums in global celebration of the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, a man whose influence transcends geographical borders.

A strategic break will then allow for rest and reflection ahead of the grand finale tagged “Light House”, which will hold on Saturday, 25 October,

2025, the celebrant’s authentic birthdate and the symbolic peak of the entire celebration.

To ensure the success of the landmark occasion, the Planning Committee was designed to be guest-focused, with premium on thoughtful identification, warm reception, and exceptional hospitality for every category of guest, from traditional royalty to political dignitaries, from captains of industry to grassroots supporters.

Every detail, from logistics to ceremonial protocol, has been tailored to reflect the values of excellence, courtesy, and honour that Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi himself so naturally exudes.

The event Is also structured to prioritise and celebrate the guests, a deliberate framework designed to effectively identify, manage, and cater for the diverse categories of guests expected at the celebration.

A statement by the organisers said that, “All guests, including traditional rulers, government functionaries, captains of industry, family members, community leaders, professional colleagues, and grassroots well-wishers, will be treated with the highest regard and utmost attention, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience throughout the celebration.”

The Programme of Events is as follows:

Friday, 17 October, worship at Ilesa Central Mosque -1pm; Ijesa Sports Club Hosts Celebrant 5pm; Saturday, 18 October, Birthday Ayo Game at Iwude House -2pm; Iwude House; Sunday, 19 October, Musical Orchestra @ Herrigan Hotel -2pm;

Monday, 20 October, Visit to orphanages -11am; Cultural Day @ Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre -2pm; Tuesday, 21 October, Birthday Symposium & Launching of IDF @ Gold City Event Centre -11am;

Wednesday, 22 October, Birthday Lectures, Iwure & ninth year Asíwájú Installation Anniversary Dance @ Zenabab Hotel -11am; Thursday, 23 October, Ijesa Diasporans Day With Asiwaju @ Zenabab Hotel -12noon;

Friday, 24 October, Birthday Open House -12noon; Saturday, 25 October, Birthday Thanksgiving Service @ Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, Omofe -10am; Birthday Reception @ Zenabab Hotel -1pm; Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi Book Launch @ Zenabab Hotel.

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