By Ayo Arowojolu
Activities lined up to bid final farewell to the demised monarch of Igbodigo in Okitipupa Local Government, the Obagberume of Igbodigo, Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, kicks off on Wednesday February 26, 2025 for four days.
The late monarch who transited to the great beyond on 9th January earlier this year at the ripe age of 94, would be honoured with series of activities culminating in a grand reception on Saturday March 1, 2025 at the Aiyeka/Igbodigo/Oke-Igbala High School, Igbodigo at 12 noon.
According to a statement released by Prince(Barr) Ayodeji Aiyeku, a coterie of Obas in Ikale land are to throng the Obagberume palace on a farewell visit on Wednesday 26th February between the 10am and 12noon.
Shortly after at 3pm same-day, Cultural Dances take the floor till 6pm to be followed later by Biripo night from 7pm till 11pm.
A Public Lecture takes place on Thursday 27th February at the Igbodigo Civic Center at 4pm.
Friday 28th February, an Interdenominational Service comes on stage at 4pm.
The demised monarch, Alayeluwa Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, Akinyomi I, JP, the Obagberume of Igbodigo, was born on 2nd January, 1931 to High Chief Matthew Ikuemonisan Aiyeku of blessed memory and late Mrs. Emmah Amusitan Aiyeku (Nee Akingbade of Ode-Aye).
Oba Aiyeku who hailed from the Lumoekun Ruling House of Igbodigo, began his early education at St. John’s R.C.M School, Okitipupa in 1945 and obtained his first Leaving Certificate at St. Paul’s Anglican School, Igbodigo in 1954.
In the course of training as a teacher, Oba Aiyeku attended Okitipupa Divisional Teachers’ Training College, Ode-Aye from 1957 to1958 and Muslim Teachers Training College, Oru–Ijebu from 1962 to 1963 where he obtained the Teacher’s Grade III and II Certificates respectively.
He also attended University of Ibadan in 1982 where he obtained a higher Certification in Education.
Oba Aiyeku was crowned the Obagberume of Igbodigo on 20th June, 1998, succeeding Alayeluwa Oba W. A. Adun Omoge.
To many, both young and old, Oba Aiyeku was a fair ruler, loved by his people, courageous, fearless and worked tirelessly to promote the welfare and development of Igbodigo.
During his reign, he achieved numerous milestones, including massive expansion of educational and social infrastructure of Igbodigo Kingdom.
In the educational circle, Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku was very active. He was one of the Architects leading to the founding of Ayeka/Igbodigo/Okeigbala High School, Igbodigo in 1979. At one time, he was a member of the Education District Authority.
He had a distinguished career as a teacher and mentor of great minds. As a teacher, he served in many communities in the old Okitipupa Division. His teaching career took him to many riverine communities such as Ode-Mahin and retired from active service in 1986 at St Paul’s Anglican School, Okitipupa where he was Headmaster Special Class.
Oba Aiyeku was a builder and a fearless reformer. On the social scene, he was an active member of Igbodigo Progressive Union founded in 1957 and was the first General Secretary of the Union beside being one of the foundation members of Okitipupa Social Brothers’ Club founded in 1972.
He was the Treasurer of the Club for several years before he voluntarily relinquished the position. Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku was 1st Vice Chairman and Examiner of accounts N.U.T Ikale Local Government from 1984 to 1986 before he retired from the Public Service and was the president of Egudu Prograssive Club 82 Igbodigo from 1982 until he was appointed a monarch.
At the political level, Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku was elected to Ikale Local Government Council as a Councillor for Ayeka/Igbodigo/Igodan Lisa/Okunmo ward in January 1988 and was made the Honourable Supervisory Councillor for Education between 1988 to 1989. During his time as a Councillor, Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku attracted many social amenities such as markets, culverts, etc to Igbodigo Community in particular and the entire Ayeka/Igbodigo/Igodan of Lisa/Okunmo ward in general.
In the religious circle, Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku was a devout Christian to the core. He was an active member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and It is noteworthy that, throughout his tenure as the monarch of Igbodigo, he evolved a series of reformation in the cultural practices peculiar to the good people of Igbodigo. He endeavored to promote religious harmony and peace amongst all faiths and denominations. He was an active member of Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship. He even had and maintained a Palace Chapter of the Fellowship.
