Following the demise of the late traditional ruler of Igbodigo in Okitipupa Local Government of Ondo State, the Obagberume of Igbodigo, Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, plans are already in top gear for the late monarch to be buried next week.
This reaffirmation is contained in a statement issued by Prince Ayodeji Aiyeku. The four-day activities to bid a final farewell to the late traditional ruler will commence on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
According to him, the late monarch, who joined his ancestors at the age of 94, will be honored with a series of activities culminating in a grand reception on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Aiyeka/Igbodigo/Oke-Igbala High School, Igbodigo.
Aiyeku disclosed that a coterie of traditional rulers from Ikaleland is expected to visit the Obagberume’s palace on a farewell visit on Wednesday, February 26, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
He said this will be followed by a cultural dance around 3:00 p.m., and later, Biripo night will take place from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.
A public lecture will be held on Thursday, February 27, at the Igbodigo Civic Centre at 4:00 p.m., while an interdenominational service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28.
Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, Akinyomi I, JP, the Obagberume of Igbodigo, was born on January 2, 1931, to High Chief Matthew Ikuemonisan Aiyeku of blessed memory and the late Mrs. Emmah Amusitan Aiyeku (née Akingbade of Ode-Aye). He was crowned the Obagberume of Igbodigo on June 21, 1997, and hailed from the Lumoekun Ruling House of Igbodigo.
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The late monarch began his early education at St. John’s R.C.M. School, Okitipupa, in 1945 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate at St. Paul’s Anglican School, Okitipupa, in 1953.
During his training as a teacher, Oba Aiyeku attended Okitipupa Divisional Teachers’ Training College, Ode-Aye, from 1957 to 1958 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 the University of Ibadan in 1982, where he obtained a higher certification in education.
To many, both young and old, Oba Aiyeku was a fair ruler, loved by his people, courageous, fearless, and committed to promoting the welfare and development of Igbodigo.
During his reign, he achieved numerous milestones, including the massive expansion of educational and social infrastructure in Igbodigo Kingdom.
In the education sector, Oba Aiyeku was very active. He was one of the architects leading to the founding of Ayeka/Igbodigo/Oke-Igbala 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 he 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 the Igbodigo Progressive Union, founded in 1957, and was the first General Secretary of the Union. He was also one of the founding members of the Okitipupa Social Brothers’ Club, founded in 1972, where he served as Treasurer for several years before voluntarily relinquishing the position.
Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku was the 1st Vice Chairman and Examiner of Accounts for N.U.T. Ikale Local Government from 1984 to 1986 before he retired from public service. He also served as the president of the Egudu Progressive Club 82, Igbodigo, from 1982 until he was crowned as a monarch.
At the political level, Oba Aiyeku was elected as a councillor for the Ayeka/Igbodigo/Igodan Lisa/Okunmo Ward in Ikale Local Government in January 1988 and was appointed the Honourable Supervisory Councillor for Education between 1988 and 1989. During his tenure as a councillor, he facilitated the development of many social amenities, including markets and culverts, in the entire Ayeka/Igbodigo/Igodan Lisa/Okunmo Ward.
In the religious sphere, Oba Aiyeku was a devout Christian. He was an active member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Notably, throughout his tenure as the traditional ruler of Igbodigo, he initiated several reforms in the cultural practices of the Igbodigo community.
He worked tirelessly to promote religious harmony and peace among all faiths and denominations. He was also an active member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship and even maintained a Palace Chapter of the Fellowship.
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