The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, CON, has commended the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the traditional ruler of Iyin Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, for their contributions to national growth and community development.
Senator Jibrin gave the commendation on Saturday in Iyin Ekiti during the grand finale of the 2025 Iyin Day Celebration, where he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Aare Agbaakin of Iyin Ekiti, while his wife received the title of Yeye Aare Agbaakin of Iyin Ekiti.
In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President described Senator Bamidele – who hails from Iyin Ekiti – as a Pan-Nigerian leader whose contributions to national progress cut across sectors and regions.
He particularly lauded Senator Bamidele’s facilitation of a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences for the community, describing it as “a testament to his unwavering commitment to the development of Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Nigeria at large.”
The colourful ceremony, attended by sons and daughters of Iyin as well as dignitaries from across the country, also witnessed the conferment of traditional titles on several eminent personalities.
Those honoured included former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, who received the title of Asiwaju of Iyin Ekiti; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, honoured as Oluomo of Iyin Ekiti; and Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, who was conferred with the title of Bobajiro of Iyin Ekiti, alongside his wife, who became Yeye Bobajiro.
Senator Yaqubu Danmarke was also honoured with the title of Aare Atunluse of Iyin Ekiti.
In his remarks, Senator Bamidele urged the people of Iyin, especially the youth, to continue to embrace peace and unity, noting that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of acrimony.
Speaking at the occasion, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, described the annual Iyin Day celebration as “a moment for reflection, thanksgiving and renewed commitment to collective progress.”
According to him, this year’s event was unique for being a three-in-one celebration – the annual Iyin Day, the 75th anniversary of the unification of Iyin Kingdom and the 5th anniversary of his coronation as the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti.
Highlighting some of the community’s achievements in the past year, Oba Ajakaiye listed the rehabilitation of township roads, installation of solar-powered streetlights and upgrading of the palace, including the construction of a befitting palace gate. Others include the establishment of an ultra-modern Oluyin Market and improved electricity supply through the installation of prepaid meters.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, describing it as a landmark development for the town.
The monarch further announced the launch of a ₦1 billion Development Fund aimed at mobilizing resources for ongoing and new community projects. These include the construction of a Palace Pavilion for community engagements and social events, completion of 19 units of two-bedroom apartments and a shopping complex at Oluyin Estate, Tungba, as well as the establishment of a Community Hall of Fame.
Earlier, the Chairman, Central Organizing Committee for Iyin Day 2025, Pastor Remi Obaparusi, commended residents for living in peace.
He assured that all donations made toward the Development Fund would be fully accounted for, noting that all development projects would also be closely monitored to ensure their completion.
As part of the week-long activities preceding the grand finale, the community held an interdenominational service, medical outreach, project inauguration, health and fitness walk as well as sports and essay competitions designed to promote unity and youth development.