By: Temitope OYEKAN

The Iperu-Akesan Development Association (IDA) has announced the formation of three key committees.

One is to plan the 90th birthday celebration of business magnate and philanthropist Sir Kesington ADEBUTU, while the other two are on the establishment of a new investment group aimed at driving sustainable growth and development in Iperu-Akesanland, as well as Boundary Reconciliation

A statement from the Iperu Akesan Development Association, jointly signed by the President, Otunba Taiwo OYEBANJO, and General Secretary, Barr. Wasiu ONAWOLE, indicates that the Sir Kesington ADEBUTU's 90th Birthday Celebration Committee will be chaired by Elder Tutu BURAIMO, while the investment committee will be led by Mr. Lanre SHITTU.

Elder Tutu BURAIMO was also appointed as the Chairman of the Boundary Reconciliation Committee.

The Elder Tutu BURAIMO-led 90th Birthday Planning Committee will organize a befitting birthday event to celebrate and honour Sir Kesington ADEBUTU, the Balogun and Babaoba of Iperu, and Odole of Ife, recognizing his significant contributions to business and philanthropy, and especially his impact on the socio-economic development of Iperu Akesanland.

Other members of the committee include Sir Ayotunde OREDIPE, Mr. Olakunle SODIPO, Mr. Tunde ODUFOTE, Barr. Abiola Hafsat ADETOLA, Dr. Joke SOFOWORA, and Chief Jide SOSAN. 

Yeye Yetunde Kehinde AINA and Comrade Elijah SIWAJUOLA will serve as Field Officers.

The IDA Investment Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Lanre SHITTU, will focus on creating an investment vehicle modelled after successful organizations like Ibile Holdings, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and Odua Investment. 

The committee's vision is to explore on emerging opportunities in the region, such as the Gateway International Airport,  Remo Industrial Park, The Interchange Business Axis opportunities, among other regional initiatives.  This initiative aims to generate economic prosperity and benefit the Iperu-Akesan community.  

Members of the committee include Mr. Kunle OSHILAJA, Alhaji Dotun SOKUNBI, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluremi RUNSEWE, Adetola Hafsat ABIOLA, Esq, Taiwo ONADIPE Esq, Otunba Kunle JAIYESIMI, Mr. Babs SOBANJO, Alhaji Amusa OLOWE, Alhaji Ganiyu MURITALA, Ayomide ADEKOYA, Alhaji Jimoh TAIWO, Mr. Tunde ODUFOTE, Otunba Wale ABDUL, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin MADEIN,  Mr. Temitope ARMSTRONG, Omoba Taiwo 'Gbenga OWOKALADE, and Engr. James SOSAN.

Otunba Taiwo OYEBANJO, President of the IDA, stated, "The Investment Committee represents a significant step towards securing the future prosperity of our community. We are confident that this initiative will not only drive sustainable growth and development, but also contribute to the socio-economic development and create a lasting economic prosperity for Iperu Akesanland".

Similarly, the boundary reconciliation committee, will among other Terms of Reference, investigate boundary matters, gather evidences, facilitate dialogue, and make recommendations.

It will also ensure compliance, foster cooperation, and document its findings, all in a bid at addressing challenges connected to boundary issues, with a focus to preventing inter-communal clashes.

Other members of the Boundary Reconciliation Committee are Surv. Aremo Gbenga OGUNNOIKI, Dr. Wale OSINOWO, Sir Ayotunde OREDIPE, and  Colonel James Owodunni TIJANI (Rtd.)

Also on the list are High Chief (Barr.) Ifasola Saheed OPEODU, who will serve as the Secretary, the Onimeji of Imeji, His Royal Highness, Oba Babatunde OLAYEBO OREMULE-SODA, and Mr. Nurudeen ODUBITAN.

The three committees will be  inaugurated on Sunday, 13th July, 2025, at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja by 2pm.