Hon Nuel Elehinle’s noble stride in Ipele

I have witnessed more than four Ero Festivals in Ipele. On each edition, I get to understand the essence of the festival more. My knowledge gets broadened. The 2023 edition is the latest. The month-long events leading to Ero festival were eye-popping, socially relevant, and information filled. From Olopa Ija, Ogwo, Ere Omako, the book launched by Egbe Akorewolu, and also the donation of a building to Ipele Maternity. While these are laudable and should be emulated, two events caught me by surprise; the commission of Olujan History Park and the free eyeglass collections and drug distribution by Hon. Nuel Elehinle.

Born to  Mr. Ezekiel Ashojo & Mrs. Florence Elehinle of Okeloten ruling house of Ujan quarters in Ipele, Owo local government in Ondo State. The University of Liverpool graduate has made it a point of duty to give back to his community. In the 2010s, he donated school desks and chairs to public schools in Owo/Ose federal constituency.  He also donated exercise books, school shoes, and sandals for pupils in the same constituency. Hon. Nuel Elehinle is a member of the board of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

In a way to beautify the Ipele community, and educate the indigenes on its history, a park named Olujan Mokun History Park which was built by Hon. Nuel Elehinle was commissioned by Senator Titus Olupitan on July 21, 2023. The event which was held at St. John’s primary school field, Ipele, had in attendance a representative of Oba of Benin, Oliyere of Iyera Oba Alaba Adako, Dr. Adewumi Abitoye, a former minister of state for education. The Ogwo 2023 team was also on hand to honour one of their own, likewise members of the National Association of Ipele Students,( NAIS), All Progressive Congress (APC) Stalwarts, and others.

Chief Olupitan tagged the edifice as an attempt at establishing history, he went down memory lane on how Olujan, one of the aboriginals of Ipele settled down in Ipele alongside his brother Olofi Arokun. He showered encomium on Hon. Elehinle for inviting him to commission the park while harping on the necessity of giving back to the community.

A week before the commissioning, Dr. Abu Temitope and his team provided medical services to some Ipele Indigenes at Okeriwo where free Eyeglasses and drugs were freely given to them. This was also sponsored by Hon. Nuel Elehinle.

The 2023 Ero festival might have come and gone, yet, Olujan Park would remain a watershed in the history of Ipele Kingdom. For the younger generation, Hon. Nuel Elehinle has been able to teach them a bit of their history. And what’s the essence of people who don’t know where they are coming from, a waiting disaster, you will say.

Emmanuel Daraloye, a PR enthusiast sent in this piece from Ibadan, Oyo State.

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