pannigeriannews 
By Sunday Adepoju
The ancient kingdom of Iresa-Pupa in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State was filled with joy and pageantry on Saturday as it hosted the 8th Iresa-Pupa Day celebration. The event, which took place at the Iresa-Pupa Palace Playing Field, brought together a diverse array of guests — from traditional leaders and political figures to religious authorities and business tycoons — all in celebration of the enduring heritage and development of the town.
Presiding over the occasion was the revered traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP, Ajiboye III, the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa. Known for his wisdom and commitment to the progress of his people, Oba Olayiwola is regarded as a monarch of classical depth, steeped in the values and prestige of Yoruba royalty.
The event, chaired by renowned businessman, philanthropist and Islamic leader, Alhaji Monsur Ayoade Ejide of Ejide Enterprises Nigeria Limited, witnessed a significant convergence of over 30 communities under the Iresa-Pupa Kingdom. The day saw a symbolic unity of people from various political, social, and religious backgrounds — a testament to the respect commanded by the Aresa-Pupa and the collective vision for communal development.
Part of the significance of the celebration was the commissioning of an edifice built by Chief (Mrs.) Khadijat Omotoyosi Omotoso, the Iyalaje of Iresa-Pupa.
Also, to commemorate the 8th celebration, Oba Olayiwola and his Council installed the Rector of Federal School of Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Oyo, Surv. Dr. Dupe Nihinlola Olayinka Dosunmu as Yeye Atunluto of Iresa-Pupa and the Commandant of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Iresa-Pupa, Captain Evelyn Oyunde Egwurebe as Yeye Akogun of Iresa-Pupa.
Despite political diversity, leaders from different parties came together with a singular purpose to support and promote unity and progress in Iresa-Pupa. Key dignitaries present included Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented by Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development; Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, represented by Hon. Wasiu Alabi; former representing the district, Senator Amzat Ayoade Adeseun; Hon. Abideen Adeoye Ogundare, representing Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Isaiah Alaba Adegbite, Chairman of Surulere Local Government, among others.
Also of importance was the presence of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede represented by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed; Deputy Rector, Mr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo; Bursar, Alhaji Rashidat Titilola Oladepo; Deputy Registar, Mr. G. K. Olatinwo; Deputy Bursar, Mr. Lukman Buari; Director, Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Oluwaseun Christopher Owojori; Protocols and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju.
Leaders and representatives of numerous traditional institutions across and beyond the Ogbomoso zone, including the Mogajis of the Sòún Ruling Houses.
In his speech, Alhaji Monsur Ejide, Chairman of the occasion, praised Oba Olayiwola for his humility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people. “By now, I should be in Lagos for another important assignment. But I needed to shelve that because of the qualities that Oba Olayiwola JP possesses,” he said, adding that the monarch’s character and achievements deserve greater recognition.
Ejide also called on well-meaning individuals to invest in the development of Iresa-Pupa, emphasizing that communal support is vital for sustainable progress.
In his speech, Governor Makinde, through Barrister Olasunkanmi, congratulated Oba Olayiwola, royal families, chiefs,, baales, and well-wishers on the 8th Iresa-Pupa Day celebration, restating the commitment of the Oyo State government to the welfare of the people. He lighlighted the government’s strides on agriculture, education, urban and rural development, among others.
Hon. Abideen Adeoye Ogundare representing Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly also bore the wishes of his constituents to Oba Olayiwola and the entire subjects.
Likewise, Hon. Isaiah Adegbite said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Surulere Local Government Area, I congratulate our father, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP, Ajiboye III, baales and chiefs under him, the good people of Iresa-Pupa on the celebration of the 8th Iresa-Pupa Day 2025. We thank God for the life of our Kabiesi and I pray that Baba will live to celebrate more of it. Accept our warm congratulations.”
Olasunkanmi, a prince of Iresaadu, also greeting of the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, among others.
The event also featured rich cultural displays and musical performances that highlighted the vibrancy of the Iresa-Pupa tradition. Popular indigenous artists such as Aṣabi Oje, Ajangila, Olu Best and Community Grammar School, Iresa-Pupa thrilled the audience with dynamic and soulful performances.
Various community groups and associations paraded with banners and displays, showcasing their unity and pride in their heritage. The festive mood was underscored by traditional drumming, dancing, and colorful attire that reflected the cultural richness of the Yoruba people.
Iresa-Pupa, home to the Federal Polytechnic Ayede — the only federal polytechnic in Oyo State — continues to grow as a centre of learning and cultural significance. The Iresa-Pupa Day celebration is not only a time for reunion and festivity but also a strategic platform for mobilising development efforts and strengthening bonds within the kingdom.
As the 8th edition concluded on a high note, it reinforced the relevance of traditional institutions in community building and the importance of honouring ancestral values while embracing modern progress. Oba Olayiwola’s reign continues to set an example of inclusive and visionary leadership in Yoruba land.
Oba Olayiwola, who expressed his joy, thanked everybody who had contributed towards the success of the event.
He called on indigenes of the land, home and abroad, to see Iresa-Pupa as their home of pride and contribute meaningfully to its development.
About The Author
