Thursday, June 26, 2025

Glowing Tribute to Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi as a 32-Member Planning Committee is Inaugurated for His 70th Birthday

A thirty-two (32)-member Planning Committee has been inaugurated to oversee activities lined up for the 70th birthday of Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, coming up in Ilesa, Osun State in October

Asiwaju Fasuyi, a national icon variously described as a very polished personality and a rising star of Ijesaland, will mark his 70th birthday with a nine-day event kicking off on 17 October, 2025.

At an international Press Conference helrading the 70th birthday celebration, tagged "A Guests-Focused Celebration of Legacy and Impact,"  the Chairman Media Committee, Sir Folu Olamiti said the platinum jubilee would not be a mere ceremonial gathering, but a historic celebration of seven impactful decades of excellence, selfless service, purposeful living, community building, and nation enhancing service."

According to Sir Olamiti,the Planning Committee was sub-divided into other committees comprising a team of passionate members who will collaborate to ensure the success of the event. 

"As stated in a press release, members of the Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi @ 70 Planning Committee and the sub-committees for the birthday celebration include the following:

HRM Oba Engr Moses Olufemi Agunsoye (Chairman-General); Sir Folu Olamiti (Chairman, Media & Publicity); Rtd DIG Leye Oyebade, (Chairman, Security & Traffic); Engr Sola Ayeni, (Chairman, Logistics); Yeye Oba Mrs Yemisi Iyanda (Chairperson, Ijesa In Diaspora;  


Dr Yomi Layinka (Chairman, Ibadan Caucus); Dr Very Revd Biodun Ogunbekun (Chairman, Ijesa Societies & Clubs); HRM Oba Sunday Ishola Ibironke, Chairman Oriade Local Government Area Community); HRM Oba Ojarotade Adewale (Chairman, Atakumosa West Local Government Area Community;
High Chief Ogboni Saka Fapohunda (Chairman, Ijesa Central Community); 
HRM Oba Babatunde Adedeji (Chairman, Obokun Local Government Area Community); HRM Oba Teniola Omokehinde (Chairman, Atakumosa East Local Government Area Community; 
High Chief Yeyerise Bolanle Ojo (Chairperson, Ijesa Women Groups); Alagba Wale Idowu (Chairman, Programmes); Dr Prince Toyin Olalemi (Chairman, Special Guests & Venues Coordination); Chief Afolabi Igbaroola (Chairman, Protocols); Mr Bukola Fadipe (Chairman, Churches & Mosques; 

Prince Lowo Adebiyi (Chairman, ICDA Coordination); Bobagunwa Remi Oyeyemi (Chairman, Tributes & Publication); Mr Sunday Igbaroola (Chairman, Finance & Accounts); Prince Ademola Adeyeye (Chairman, Invitation & Access Cards); Dr Ladi Fakoya (Chairman, Medical); Mrs Olabisi Awe (Chairperson, Ijesa Markets;

Mr Gbenga Sadiku (Chairman, Ijesa Trade & Vocational Groups); Chief Mrs Yemisi Falope (Chairperson, Catering Coordination); Chief Akin Olatunbosun (Chairman, Beverages & Drinks Coordination); Chief Mrs Jumoke Olafadehan (Chairperson, Small Chops Coordination; 

Engr Busayo Aluko (Chairman, Photographs, Videos, Online Streaming & Documentation; Chief Oladiran Fasuyi-Enang (Chairman Fasuyi & Relatives Families); Mr Sunday Owoborode (Chairman, Ijesa Youths); Mr Deji Araoye: Chairman Accommodation; and Prince Ademola Adeyoju (Secretary/Chairman Secretariat" he noted 
The veteran journalist further described Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi's life as transformational influence touching individuals, institutions, and communities across Ijesaland, Osun State, and beyond. 

"Living up to the age of 70 in present-day Nigeria, a country often beset with natural and man-made 
catastrophes, is a rare grace that calls for deep thanksgiving. 

"As such, this celebration will not only reflect the celebrant’s exceptional journey but also radiate gratitude, reflection, and rejoicing. 

"The upcoming nine-day long celebration is a continuation of a cherished tradition that the Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi's immediate and extended constituencies always anticipated with great pride.

"The uniqueness of of this Platinum Jubilee lies in the deliberate curation of each day's event, every segment designed to leave a memorable impact, encapsulating faith, culture and celebration," he stressed 

Sir Olamiti hinted that services would be held in the mosque, church, and traditional place of worship, providing an opportunity for spiritual reflection on the celebrant’s journey through life, noting that there  will also be orchestra presentation, a soul-lifting rendition of Classical and Christian folk music in praise of the Almighty God, with all the events carrying a profound message and memorable takeaway. 

He emphasized that the  celebration further reflected  Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi's deeply rooted ties to his community, as Ijesa Sports Club dedicates an entire day in honour of one of their beloved patrons. 

"In the same spirit of compassion,  there would be a visit to the orphanages to underscore the celebrant’s lifelong empathy and humility toward the less privileged," it was added in the release.

He said one of the cultural highlights would be the Birthday Commemorative Ayo Game, a foremost traditional outdoor pastime of Ijesaland, demonstrating the preservation of the heritage of the Ijesas, while celebrating a worthy custodian of it. 

Sir Olamiti disclosed that there would also be two public lectures to serve as intellectual elixirs, stirring minds and mobilising support for continued development within and beyond Ijesaland. 

"As a fitting crescendo, the event will witness Ijesa and non-Ijesa in the Diaspora rolling out the drums in global celebration of the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, a man whose influence transcends geographical borders. 

A strategic break will then allow for rest and reflection ahead of the grand finale tagged “Light House”, which will hold on Saturday, 25 October, 
2025, the celebrant’s authentic birthdate and the symbolic peak of the entire celebration. 

To ensure the success of the landmark occasion, the Planning Committee was designed to be guest-focused, with premium on thoughtful identification, warm reception, and exceptional hospitality for every category of guest, from traditional royalty to political dignitaries, from captains of industry to grassroots supporters. 

Every detail, from logistics to  ceremonial protocol, has been tailored to reflect the values of excellence, courtesy, and honour that Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi himself so naturally exudes.'  he explained.

He added that the event was also structured to prioritise and celebrate the guests, a deliberate framework designed to effectively identify, manage, and cater for the diverse categories of guests expected at the celebration. 

"All guests, including traditional rulers, government functionaries, captains of industry, family members, community leaders, professional colleagues, and grassroots well-wishers, will be treated with the highest regard and utmost attention, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience throughout the celebration.  

In separate remarks, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye; Yeyerise of Ilesa, Chief Mrs Hannah Ojo; and Chief Akin Olatunbosun described Asiwaju Fasuyi as a bridge builder and an astute Ijesa man with unequalled zeal for the development of the land. 


The Programme of Events is as follows: 

Friday, 17 October, worship at Ilesa Central Mosque -1pm; Ijesa Sports Club Hosts Celebrant 5pm; Saturday, 18 October, Birthday Ayo Game at Iwude House -2pm; Iwude House; Sunday, 19 October, Musical Orchestra @  Herrigan Hotel -2pm;

Monday, 20 October, Visit to orphanages -11am; Cultural Day @ Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre -2pm; Tuesday, 21 October, Birthday Symposium & Launching of IDF @ Gold City Event Centre -11am;

Wednesday, 22 October, Birthday Lectures, Iwure & ninth year Asíwájú Installation Anniversary Dance @ Zenabab Hotel -11am; Thursday, 23 October, Ijesa Diasporans Day With Asiwaju @ Zenabab Hotel -12noon; 
  
Friday, 24 October, Birthday Open House -12noon; Saturday, 25 October, Birthday Thanksgiving Service @ Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, Omofe -10am; Birthday Reception @ Zenabab Hotel -1pm; Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi Book Launch at Zenabab Hotel.

1.HRM Oba Engr Moses Olufemi Agunsoye 
Chairman-General 
2. Sir Folu Olamiti: Chairman Media 
3. Mr Wale Idowu: Chairman Programs 
4. Prince Ademola Adeyoju::  Chairman Secretariat

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

CLARIFICATION: THE AUTHENTIC LINEAGE OF OLORI OMOLARA OLUWATOYIN SHERIFAT HAASTRUUP (NEE AKINSANYA)




The attention of the Palace of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland has been drawn to a recent 
misconceived description of Olori Omolara Haastrup, the esteemed wife of His Imperial 
Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, and it has therefore become necessary to correct 
the unfounded narratives concerning the heritage of the Olori.
Contrary to the misleading narrative currently circulating on social media, Olori Omolara Oluwatoyin Sherifat Haastrup (née Akinsanya), the wife of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, is 
UNEQUIVOCALLY AND PROUDLY OF YORUBA HERITAGE.
She hails from the ancient town of Ota in Ogun State, with ancestral roots deeply 
embedded in the Awori sub-ethnic group of the Yoruba people. Her lineage, through both paternal and maternal lines, as well as her grandparents, is entirely Yoruba. 
It is therefore inaccurate, misleading, and deeply disrespectful to misrepresent her identity as Igbo. This fabrication not only undermines her personal and cultural dignity, but also distorts the rich 
history and harmony among the diverse ethnic communities of Nigeria.

Olori Omolara was born to the Akinsanya family of Idole Compound, Ota Aworiland. People 
in the community, including family and friends, because of her fair complextion, call her "Oyinbo Idole" to this day. Her late father, Alhaji Nureni Adisa Akinsanya, was a direct descendant of the distinguished Idowu Ojumo Oke-Olota family of Ota Aworiland, a lineage deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition and culture. 

Her late mother, Alhaja Faidat Funke Fowoshere (née Fayemi), was a noble daughter of Ilogbo, Ota. A woman of remarkable spiritual stature who held the highly respected title of Iya Sunna of the Ilogbo Asowo Central Mosque, she descended from the revered Abibat 
Abegbe Fayemi of the Idu Aro compound. Olori’s maternal grandfather, Muftau Fayemi, also hailed from this honourable Yoruba lineage, further grounding her heritage in long-
standing cultural and religious leadership. 
While she was named Omolara Oluwatoyin Sherifat Akinsanya, her immediate younger sibling twins, were named Lutifat Taiwo Akinsanya Adigun and Kudiratu Kehinde Akinsanya Otesile.

It is, therefore, both historically inaccurate and culturally inappropriate to attribute the identity of Olori Omolara or that of her children to any lineage outside of her authentic Yoruba roots. The descendants of His Royal Majesty Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup and 
Olori Omolara Oluwatoyin Sherifat Haastrup are the proud inheritors of rich Yoruba traditions from both Ijesaland and Aworiland, with deep ties to language, culture, and values.
Had her heritage been of another background, be it Igbo or otherwise, she would have acknowledged it with equal pride. But the truth remains that she is unequivocally Yoruba

The coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, was witnessed by revered dignitaries from her hometown of Ota, including, His Royal Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota,Aworiland and Iyalaje of Ota Aworiland, Alhaja Abimbola Dada, whose presence testified to her authentic Yoruba and Awori heritage.

The deliberate misinformation and unfounded claims that seek to sow division, must be disregarded and firmly corrected. This clarification stands as the authentic account of Olori Omolara Oluwatoyin Sherifat Haastrup who continues to serve with grace and unwavering pride in her noble Yoruba identity and lineage, a lineage steeped in honour, faith, and cultural legacy.

This statement is made in the spirit of preserving historical truth as well as honouring the memory of our Olórí Omolara's ancestral heritage.


Lady Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, BL, LLM
For His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III,
Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.