By Deola Adeyemi
The Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) held its much-anticipated inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Private Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Ilaro, on Monday 30th December 2024, bringing together key stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community leaders from across Yewaland. The meeting was a celebration of unity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing development in the region.
The YPDC, an initiative of the Yewa Traditional Council, was established to harmonize the efforts of various clubs, associations, and interest groups within Yewaland to achieve sustainable development. This inaugural AGM not only reflected the council’s achievements so far but also set the stage for future activities aimed at fostering growth, unity, and progress.
The meeting was graced by the presence of distinguished Alayeluwas from across Yewaland led by the President of the Council, HRM Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas. In his welcome address, Oba Olugbenle appreciated all royal fathers present at the meeting and proceeded to reemphasize the vision behind the establishment of the YPDC. The Paramount Ruler ran the bell of unity and the need to consolidate all developmental efforts.
The Annual General Meeting featured several significant activities that underscored the council’s mission to foster unity and development. Among the highlights was the formal admission of HRM Oba Olusola Lamidi-Osolo, the Olofin of Ado-Odo, into the Board of Trustees of the YPDC. This was necessitated by the demise of the previous Olofin of Ado-Odo.Since its creation, the council has demonstrated steadfast dedication to, with a total of 55 meetings held prior to the inaugural AGM. These preparatory meetings laid the groundwork for the council’s organizational structure, activities, and strategic vision. The Secretary-General of the Council, Bamidele Obafemi Akinola, introduced members of the Board of Trustees, the Governing Council and the entire structure of the Council.
The week-long 2023 Yewa Cultural Festival which featured several activities, the 2024 Summer Coaching Class for secondary school students across Yewaland, the Yewa Anthem Project are some notable achievements of the Council, as outlined by Prof. Rahamon Bello, Chairman of the Yewa People Development Council.
Looking ahead, the council unveiled its strategic plans for 2025, which include the establishment of two critical standing committees: Yewa Education Summit Committee and Yewa Political Summit Committee chaired by Prof. Tope Popoola and Honourable Justice Mobolaji Ojo respectively. The Yewa Education Summit Committee will focus on advancing educational opportunities and infrastructure across the region, while the Yewa Political Summit Committee aims to engage stakeholders in political discourse to enhance governance and leadership.
Royal fathers present were Oba Abdul Azeez Akinola, Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Benjamen Oyeditan Olanite, Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Olusola Lamidi-Osolo, Olofin of Ado, Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, Eselu of Iselu, Oba Kuoye Luqman Olamilekan PhD, Olu of Imasayi, Oba G.O. Olalowo, the Alademeso of Igan Alade, Oba; M.A. Awode, Ololo of Ijofin, Oba Sunday Adelakun, Onigbeji of Igbeji, Oba Gabriel Ogunji, Onijoun of Ijoun, Oba Bashiru Oyero, Onijale of Ijale Ketu, Oba Azeez Akinpelu, Oja of Agosasa, Oba Rev’d Matthew S Akindele, Olu of Owode, Oba Mutiu Oyede Lawal, Oloola of Ilara, Oba Mojeeb Alao, Olowo of Owo, Oba (Engr) Nosiru Tesilimi Ayinla, Olodan of Odan Abuja Sule, Oba J. O Adesiyan, Onihunbo of Ihunbo.
Others in attendance were Oba John Adewale Olaifa, Alase of Ilase, Oba James Ajibola Ajani, Opo of Idosemo, Oba N.S.O Fasina Elegbede, Onitoro of Itoro, Oba Kehinde Adeisa, Ogiyan of Alari, Oba Buhari Ololade Makinde, Oniwoye of Iwoye, Oba Dr. O.O. Fagbenro, Oloke Odan of Oke Odan, Oba Kazeem Aderibigbe Amosu, Alale of Ajilete, Oba Mukaila Akanni Salako, Adokun of Igan-Okoto, Oba Engr. Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobese, Oloja of Oja Odan, Oba Saheed Adebiyi, Onidogo of Idogo, Oba Mathew Ewedairo, Awujako of Ijako Orile, and Oba Itu Olasunkanmi, Onigboko of Igboko.
The meeting saw robust discussions, insightful contributions, and unanimous resolutions aimed at driving Yewaland forward. It is indeed the best of times in Yewaland; an unprecedented united front under the able leadership of the Paramount Ruler, HRM Oba (Dr) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, complemented with an era of project execution by the entire Yewa federal legislative representation, it is indeed the best time to be a Yewa man.
