Owa of Ilesa and paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, and eminent indigenes of Ijesaland will, on 21 October 2025, converge on the Gold City Event Centre, Ilesa, Osun State to celebrate Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi (AOF) on his 70th birthday.
Beyond the celebration of a milestone birthday, the gathering will witness the unveiling of a bold vision- the official launch of the Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).
The event has the royal seal of the Owa Obokun Adimula and paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
As contained in a release, the event, taking off by 10:00am, will be declared opened with a symposium themed “IDF Project Operations and Management,” with the celebrant, Asiwaju Fasuyi delivering a keynote lecture.
Fasuyi, in his discourse, will unravel the operational framework of IDF, highlighting mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and community-driven impact.
More than a lecture, it is also expected to serve as a master-class in sustainable development and a clarion call to Ijesa sons and daughters to align with a collective vision.
The high point of the celebration will be the presentation of ICDA-IDF cheques to ward executives across the six local government areas in Ijesaland.
“This inaugural disbursement marks a practical leap from promise to action, setting in motion a framework for funding grassroots growth initiatives.
Sir Folu Olamiti, Chairman of the Planning Committee on Media and Publicity, stated: “With the royal endorsement of Owa Haastrup and the presence of eminent community leaders, the launch is positioned as a binding social contract-one that redefines how communal wealth will be harnessed for infrastructure, education, health, and economic empowerment.”
He further described the event as “a convergence of honour, vision, and action-where ideas meet implementation and leadership meets legacy.
“For many, this is more than the fifth day of a birthday fiesta; it is a generational turning point.
“AOF @70 will be remembered, not only for its glamour, but also for institutionalising a community-driven development model.
“The celebrations will culminate in a vibrant social evening, with music by the Ijesa Juju Music Queen, Sola Testimony Band.
“What makes this occasion deeply compelling is the blend of compassion and vision-the rare fusion of royalty, intellect, and community aspiration.
“As Ijesaland embraces this new chapter, Tuesday’s gathering is not merely a party; it is history in motion,” Olaniyi stated in a press statement.
