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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN
The Member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to community development with the official groundbreaking of three new Obas’ palaces in Ilashe, Erinja, and Iwoye within Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency.
The landmark occasion, held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, commenced in Ilashe in Ipokia Local Government Area before proceeding to Erinja and Iwoye, both in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The ceremony symbolized a major step towards strengthening traditional institutions and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. The initiative was widely celebrated as a significant stride in uplifting the identity and status of the three host communities, marking a renewed sense of pride among residents.
In Ilashe, dignitaries including Oba John Adewale Olaifa, the Alase of Ilashe; Oba (Dr.) Oluwarotimi Fagbenro, the Oloke of Oke-Odan; and Oba John Babatunde, the Oloko-Eye of Oko-Eye, joined community members to welcome Rt. Hon. Abiodun Akinlade to the epoch-making event.
Community leader Mr. Zannu Peter Kolawole expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Akinlade for his numerous developmental projects – including completed and ongoing works such as schools and health facilities – spread across the constituency.
He described these as visible testaments to the lawmaker’s dedication to his people’s welfare.
Kolawole further appealed for additional electric transformers and classroom blocks, noting that Ilashe, a fast-developing town with over fifty adjoining communities, still needs more infrastructural support to match its growth.
High Chief Fatai Ajibola, the Agba Akin of Ilashe, also lauded Akinlade’s relentless contributions to grassroots development.
Among other dignitaries present were the Executive Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Barr. Abraham Ogunsola and Oba Fedeyi Hezekiah of Akojaga.
By 5 p.m., the developmental train moved to Erinja, where residents trooped out en-masse to celebrate the commencement of their monarch’s new palace construction.
Welcoming Hon. Akinlade – fondly called “Baba Omo Kekere” – the Elerinja of Erinja, Oba Ebenezer Alani Eegunjobi, extolled the lawmaker’s enduring impact on his constituency.
Oba Eegunjobi, who also hailed Akinlade’s role as the Baba Adinni of Yewaland, declared that he had “written his name in gold” through consistent developmental efforts.
The royal father recalled Akinlade’s previous terms in the House of Representatives, noting that he had always delivered dividends of democracy to his constituents.
He expressed happiness that the lawmaker had sustained his spirit of generosity and leadership in the current dispensation.
Oba Eegunjobi prayed for God’s continued grace and strength upon the federal legislator, his colleagues, and their families.
The event also had in attendance Oba (Dr.) Oluwarotimi Fagbenro, Barr. Babatunde Ogunsola, and Prince Rotimi Olaleye, Education Secretary of the Yewa South Education Board among others.
At Iwoye, the atmosphere was charged with joy as the Oniwoye of Iwoye, Oba Makinde Buhari Ololade, expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Hon. Isiaq Akinlade for initiating the long-awaited palace project.
Describing the project as a dream come true for the people of Iwoyeland, Oba Makinde stated that it would serve as a lasting boost to the community’s cultural heritage.
He affirmed that both indigenes at home and in the diaspora would remain deeply grateful to the Federal Government and Rt. Hon. Akinlade for the gesture.
The event was graced by numerous traditional rulers, political figures, APC loyalists, and well-wishers, all of whom celebrated the historic development.
Speaking across the three palace sites, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade assured residents of his continued resolve to deliver impactful projects that promote unity, spur development and uphold the dignity of Yewaland.
He revealed that the idea of constructing new palaces was inspired by the poor and dilapidated conditions of existing royal residences within his constituency.
The lawmaker noted that such situations were unbefitting for revered traditional rulers who play vital roles in community leadership.
Akinlade disclosed that the palace constructions were part of his 2024/2025 constituency projects, emphasizing that he had already built several palaces within his two years in office and that many more were still underway for other deserving communities.
The groundbreaking ceremonies further cemented the bond between the legislator and the traditional institutions of Yewa South and Ipokia.
Monarchs and residents of Ilashe, Erinja, and Iwoye unanimously described Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade as “the bridge and the game changer” – a leader whose vision and actions continue to reshape Yewaland for the better.
