Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has identified himself as an Ilese son during the 2021 Ilese Day celebration, held at the Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese, Ijebu North- East Local Government of Ogun State, attended by sons and daughters of the town.
The Ilese Day celebration was inaugurated by the Elese of Ilese, Oba Oluremi Obayomi, with the support of eminent sons and daughters of the town, including a legal icon, Otunba Kunle Kalejaye (SAN); the Ilese Development Council, political stakeholders, friends and associates from all walks of life.
Oyinlola, while lauding the community development drive by the people of Ilese town, on Saturday, said that “Without mincing words, I can boldly tell you that I am an Ilese son. I have been part and parcel of Ilese for ages. I am proud that the Elese has always considered me worthy of invitation to this town’s developmental activities.
“I am always glad about the developmental strides which you people have been embarking on through execution of physical projects. This goes to show that you believe that government alone cannot provide all amenities needed for your community. I will continue to support you in whatever capacity I am privileged.”
In his reaction, Oba Obayomi lauded Oyinlola for his continued support towards the development of the town. He urged the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to prioritize infrastructural development in the town in the collective interest of the residents.
“I commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in the prosecution of laudable programmes across the state. I rely on your assurance that priority attention is given to the completion of Ijebu-Ode – Ilese portion of the old Lagos-Benin Road so as to mitigate the hardship, including the health hazard, posed by the dust from the uncompleted road.”
Highlights of the annual festival included a beauty pageant, carnival display by students of primary and secondary schools, cultural dance, acrobatic and mimetic displays and street rally.
Otunba Kalejaye said that “The carnival dance competition, kinetic displays and beauty pageant among our youths in Ogun State and others from other states in Nigeria is meant to promote friendship, unity, and peace, inter-personal relationships, sharpening of intelligence of our future leaders.”
Miss Osoteku Otolomo who emerged as ‘Miss Ilese 2021’ went home with N500,000 prize money, first runner-up went away with N300,000, while the second runner-up won N200,000.
Bayo Atanga, the Beauty Pageant Coordinator, said that the contest was based on merit by credible panel of judges. He said, “To show its unbiased intent, an Igbo lady won the 2011 contest. It is an event meant for national integration and promotion of peace, unity and intellectual skills. It commenced about 11 years ago and the community shall continue to celebrate it annually.”
Among those who were present at the event were Dr. Taiwo Oluwatoyin, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, represented by Oluseye Adeyemo; Foluso Badejo, Chairman, Ijebu North-East Local Government; Chairman, 2021 Ilese Day, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), who was represented by Alhaji Musbaudeen Oyewole Oyefeso; the Chief Launcher, Korede Osunsanya; Otunba Femi Odumosu, Chairman, Ogun/Osun River Basin; the Ilese Development Council Chairman, Otunba Segun Demuren; and Chief Kayode Afolabi, among many others.
