The Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has officially flagged off the construction of a Mini Mapo Hall in Idi-Ayunre, inside the LG Secretariat.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo popularly known as Ijaya lauded Olatunji for his foresight and pragmatic approach to governance which he described as replica of governor Seyi Makinde’s style.
Ijaya noted that just like several legacy projects under the Makinde led administration including the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road and others spread across the state, Olatunji has continued to be a shining light championing grassroots development.
Earlier before officially unveiling the Hall’s prototype, Olatunji described the project as a historic and legacy project that will serve as a cultural and administrative hub for the Oluyole Traditional Council.
The groundbreaking ceremony witnessed a wide section of notable personalities, political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and residents, who came together to celebrate what was described as a defining moment in Oluyole’s developmental history.
Leading the traditional institution at the event was the Chairman of the Oluyole Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Hamidu Ajibade, the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade.
He conveyed the goodwill message of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing Olatunji as “a beloved son who has continued to make Ibadanland proud through his humility, leadership, and commitment to service.”
Oba Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, commended Olatunji for yielding to the recommendation of the Oluyole traditional council to build the Mini Mapo Hall, calling it unprecedented gesture that has restored the pride of Obas and Baales in the area.
He called on all political and traditional stakeholders to rally behind the chairman and ensure his administration succeeds in line with his mandate.
“Olatunji is not only a son of Oluyole but a proud and illustrious son of Ibadanland who commands deep respect within the traditional institution.
“I urge you all to as a matter of service to humanity and good conscience, continue to stand for truth, legitimacy, and the collective progress of our Oluyole LG under the leadership of Akeem Olatunji.
“I know all about politics because I have been politician myself so, I know about the nitty gritty of the game. Olatunji may be a young man but he’s now a our leader and the Asiwaju Oluyole, and everyone must respect him for that,” Oba Ajibade said.
He condemned what he described as “political mischiefs” being planned by certain individuals against the council chairman, warning that such selfish tendencies threaten the peace and progress of Oluyole.
The event also witnessed strong political backing from influential figures including Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi, former Commissioner of Finance and chairman, Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee; Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, a two-term member of the House of Representatives; Chief Adegoke Adegboyega, Chairman of Solutions FM Ibadan; and Engr. Abduljelyl Abdulkarheem Mogaji Adanla.
Others in attendance were Hon. Taofeeq Azeez, Leader of the Oluyole Legislative House; the Chairman of PDP in Oluyole Local Government, Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat, the immediate past PDP Chairman in the local government, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola; LAUTECH lecturer, Dr. Saheed Ige; political leader and transporter, Alhaji Monsuru Amubieya; market leaders, members of the Women Council Society of Nigeria, and other critical stakeholders.
Several of these dignitaries made financial donations to support the construction of the Mini Mapo Hall, which Olatunji described as “a symbolic bridge between history and the future of Oluyole.”
Reaffirming Hon. Taofeeq Azeez as the Leader of the Legislative House during his welcome address, Olatunji emphasized the critical role of the council’s legislative arm as a partner in progress. “We can’t talk about development in isolation. The legislature remains a vital pillar in our drive to move Oluyole forward,” he said.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Olatunji explained that the project was inspired by the century-old Mapo Hall in Ibadan, built by the colonial administration in 1925. He said the idea was to replicate that historic landmark at the grassroots level as part of Oluyole’s centenary celebration.
“If the white men could build Mapo Hall a hundred years ago for the use of Olubadan-in-Council, there’s no reason we can’t replicate that legacy today in Oluyole.
“This Mini Mapo Hall will not only serve as a meeting point for our traditional rulers but also as an event center that will generate revenue for the council and improve the welfare of our traditional institutions.”
Olatunji added that the project’s location, strategically central to Wards 5, 8, and 9, was chosen to make it accessible to communities within Abala, Onigambari, Onipe, and Idi-Ayunre.
He also revealed plans for other upcoming initiatives, including a major sports fiesta for 116 primary schools across the local government, scheduled to begin later this month.
“This year, we’ll roll out several legacy programs that will outlive our administration. Our aim is to set a new standard for local governance in Oyo State, one that blends heritage, innovation, and inclusivity.”
