On the 1st of May, 2021, the Iyalode of Ijebuland in the person of Chief (Mrs.) Olabisi Osibogun, celebrated her one year in service to her community as the Iyalode of all women in Ijebuland. In her spirit of celebration, she set up a foundation in her name to empower both men and women in her community.
The day started with women in Ijebuland, tropping to her (home) palace on Ondo road, Ijebu-Ode to pay homage to the queen of all women, Iyalode Olabisi Osibogun. She sat on her seat of opulence to receive her guests as she adorned her neck and wrists with beautiful royal beads. Otun and Osi Iyalode walked in in splendor, spotting elegant emerald green Aso-Ebi frilled with the royal beads respectively. They paid homage to the Iyalode beaming with smile and later proceeded to the venue of the event.
At exactly noon, the field of the Methodist Memorial Primary School in Ijebu-Ode was filled with different guests awaiting the arrival of the Iyalode of Ijebuland. The Iyalode, dancing to the beats of royal-talking drums, came along with Otun Iyalode, Osi Iyabode and Madam Fela Osibogun, the first daughter of the Iyalode Olabisi Osibogun, who flew in from Dublin to be at her mother’s side on the occasion. Madam Fela Osibogun was dressed in a gold Aso-Ebi, using a matching gele with her mother, the Iyalode. As the Iyalode sat at the head table, the presence of Oba Adekoya Dagburewe of Idowa, Ijebu, Chief Olorogun Kuko, the Awujale council of Chief, Akile of Ijebu, Mr. Giwa Yusufu and a host of other royalties was recognised.
The event started with an opening prayer from one of the women. The opening speech was delivered by Oba Adekoya Dagburewe of Idowa. In his speech, Oba Adekoya expressed appreciation to all dignitaries in attendance and equally appreciated Iyalode Olabisi Osibogun for her benevolent gesture towards the community as the Oyemesho of Ijebuland before her crowning as Iyalode. He also pointed out that Iyalode Olabisi Osibogun as the 4th Iyalode of Ijebuland stood out to be the first Iyalode to empower men and women in the community. Oba Adekoya explained the utility of sewing machines; 2 in 1 grinding machine and the standing hair dryers. He stressed the importance of the professions in adding value to life. He also prayed for the Iyalode and the beneficiaries.
As the event was unfolding, the Iyalode also stood up to deliver her speech, after which Oba Adekoya Dagburewe of Idowa Ijebu presented the sewing machines to five young tailors. He prayed for the beneficiaries. Also, the Alakija of Onija also presented the other sewing machines to others women. After the presentation, the “Obirin Iyalode” came out to sing-praise to the Iyalode and also eulogise her as she stood to dance with them. The presentation of grinding machines and hairdryers came next, after which Madam Fela Osibogun stood to present money to widows and widowers. The event ended with a vote of thank by Madam Fela Osibogun as she thanked everyone present and also prayed for the beneficiaries. She assured everyone present that the presentation would not be the last by the Iyalode Olabisi Osibogun empowerment programme.
The reception took place immediately at the residence of the Iyalode. The yard was beautifully decorated. Foods and drinks of different kinds were served to guests. The Iyalode later took to the dance floor alongside her daughter, Madam Fela Osibogun, the Otun Iyalode and Iyalode Osi. It was, indeed, a remarkable one-year celebration as the Iyalode of Ijebuland.
