By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
It was a season of joy and celebration as residents, indigenes at home and abroad trooped into the tranquil town of Ipokia, in the Yewa axis of Ogun State, to honour His Royal Majesty, Oba Yisa Olusola Adeniyi Olaniyan (ORIJA O JOOGUN I), the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom.
Kabiyesi, whose reign is closely tied to the symbolic number five, marked a remarkable two-in-one event: his 55th birthday and 5th anniversary on the ancestral throne of Ipokia, both celebrated on the 5th of September, 2025.
Comrade Ajose Olumide, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, outlined a series of week-long activities leading up to the grand finale.
Community Service and Empowerment
The festivities began on Monday, September 1, with a community-wide environmental sanitation exercise. Kabiyesi distributed exercise books to pupils and students to ease the burden of resumption costs on parents.
In a show of compassion, visually impaired citizens received medical attention, including free eyeglasses and eye drops, especially for senior citizens. Supported by the amiable Olori Folashade Olaniyan, a medical outreach extended into Wednesday, September 3. The outreach provided health talks, free check-ups, and medications to residents, further cementing Kabiyesi’s commitment to his people’s well-being.
The day also featured a spirited football competition among Ipokia elementary schools, with winners, participants, and spectators receiving gifts and cash rewards.
Chieftaincy Installations
On Thursday, new chiefs were installed—both indigenes and non-indigenes—reflecting the inclusive vision of the Onipokia for Ipokia’s development.
Among them was Chief Wale Agbetokun, newly installed as Agbaakin of Ipokia. Expressing delight at donning this historic cap, he recalled his lineage from the Onikoyi family—renowned warriors in Ipokia’s history. A proud son of the land, Chief Agbetokun also served as a former council chairman of Ipokia Local Government in his youth.
Speaking at the ceremony, he said:
“I am truly honoured to serve Kabiyesi and my people. I wish the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom the very best of all good things, long life, and continued progress. I also urge our youths to remain focused and patient, for in due time, things will work in their favour.”
Other installed chiefs are Alhaji Abdulkabiru Abolurin, ‘ The Aremo Oba Of Ipokia’ , Chief Mrs Akanbi Monsurat ” Iyaloja of Ipokia, Prince Adeola Hassan Bobadara of Ipokia, to mentioned but few
Grand Finale
Friday, September 5, the birthday of Kabiyesi, marked the colourful climax of the celebrations. Dignitaries in attendance included Ogun State Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Commissioner Ganiu Hamzat; Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo; Hon. Akinlade; and other political leaders. Royal fathers such as the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Opo of idosemo land, Oba Ololo of Ijofin land and other Yewa monarchs, alongside illustrious sons and daughters of Ipokia, graced the occasion.
It was indeed a day of glitz, glamour, and heritage—a celebration that will remain unforgettable in the annals of Ipokia Kingdom.
