The four days activities to bid final farewell to the late tradition ruler of Igbodigo in Okitipupa Local Government, the Obagberume of Igbodigo, Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, will begin on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
The monarch who joined his ancestors on January 9, 2025 at the ripe age of 94, would be honoured with series of activities culminating in a grand reception on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Aiyeka/Igbodigo/Oke-Igbala High School, Igbodigo, at 12noon.
According to a statement released by Prince(Barr) Ayodeji Aiyeku, a coterie of Obas in Ikale land are to throng the Obagberume palace on a farewell visit on Wednesday, February 26 from 10.00am and 12noon.
Shortly after, at 3.00pm same-day, Cultural Dances take the floor till 6.00pm to be followed later by Biripo night from 7.00pm till 11.00pm.
A Public Lecture will take place on Thursday, February 27 at the Igbodigo Civic Centre at 4.00pm.
On Friday, February 28, an Interdenominational Service comes on stage at 4.00pm.
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 late Mrs. Emmah Amusitan Aiyeku (Nee Akingbade of Ode-Aye).
Oba Aiyeku, who hailed from the Lumoekun Ruling House of Igbodigo, began his early education at St. John’s R.C.M School, Okitipupa in 1945 and obtained his first Leaving Certificate at St Paul’s Anglican School, Okitipupa in 1953.
In the course of training as a teacher, Oba Aiyeku attended Okitipupa Divisional Teachers’ Training College, Ode-Aye from 1957 to1958 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 University of Ibadan in 1982, where he obtained a higher Certification in Education.
Oba Aiyeku was crowned the Obagberume of Igbodigo on June 21, 1997, succeeding Oba W. A. Adun Omoge.
To many, both young and old, Oba Aiyeku was a fair ruler, loved by his people, courageous, fearless and worked tirelessly to promote the welfare and development of Igbodigo.
During his reign, he achieved numerous milestones, including massive expansion of educational and social infrastructure of Igbodigo Kingdom.
In the educational circle, Oba Aiyeku was very active. He was one of the Architects leading to the founding of Ayeka/Igbodigo/Okeigbala 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 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 Igbodigo Progressive Union founded in 1957 and was the first General Secretary of the Union beside being one of the foundation members of Okitipupa Social Brothers’ Club founded in 1972. He was the Treasurer of the Club for several years before he voluntarily relinquished the position.
Oba J. E. Ola Aiyeku was 1st Vice Chairman and Examiner of accounts N.U.T Ikale Local Government from 1984 to 1986 before he retired from the Public Service and was the president of Egudu Progressive Club 82, Igbodigo, from 1982 until he was crowned as a monarch.
At the political level, Oba Aiyeku was elected to Ikale Local Government as a Councillor for Ayeka/Igbodigo/Igodan Lisa/Okunmo Ward in January 1988 and was made the Honourable Supervisory Councillor for Education between 1988 and 1989. During his time as a Councillor, Oba Aiyeku attracted many social amenities such as markets, culverts, etc to the entire Ayeka/Igbodigo/Igodan/Lisa/Okunmo Ward.
In the religious circle, Oba Aiyeku was a devout Christian. He was an active member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and it is noteworthy that, throughout his tenure as the traditional ruler of Igbodigo, he evolved a series of reformation in the cultural practices peculiar to the good people of Igbodigo community.
He endeavoured to promote religious harmony and peace amongst all faiths and denominations. He was an active member of Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship. He even had and maintained a Palace Chapter of the Fellowship.
