The ancient town of Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State stood still on Saturday as prominent sons and daughters of Igbominaland from across the globe converged for the public presentation of a monumental historical work, “Igbomina OWÓ NI É JE; From Imperialism to Migration: A Timeless Chronicle of Igbomina Heritage, Enterprise, and Migration.”
The two-volume book, authored by renowned scholar Prof. Emmanuel Olaniyi Ibiloye was unveiled at the International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurial College (IVTEC) amidst a display of rich cultural heritage and intellectual discourse.
The event was graced by high-ranking traditional rulers, led by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin Aroyinkeye I, the Orangun of Oke-Ila.
In his remarks, the monarch showered blessings on the Igbomina people and shared poignant memories of the ancestral struggles that have shaped the clan.
Oba Abolarin emphasized his ongoing commitment to supporting Igbomina students and youths, promising that his efforts toward the development of the people would remain a lifelong priority.
In his speech, the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina and Chief Host of the event, Sir Bisi Fakayode described the launch as a reaffirmation of identity.
“Igbomina is not just a people, it is a legacy rich in tradition, resilience, and enterprise.” He said.
“This book comes at a crucial time when cultural consciousness must be deliberately nurtured. Our story is being told by us, for us, and for generations yet unborn,” Fakayode added.
Corroborating this sentiment, the Chairman of the Book Launching Committee, Barrister Chief Teju Oguntoye, characterized the occasion as a cultural reawakening.
He lauded the author for decades of painstaking research that produced a definitive contribution to Yoruba historiography.
The book was formally reviewed by Prof. Adetunji Ogunyemi, who provided deep insights into the chronicle’s exploration of Igbomina resilience and global migration patterns.
In his remarks, the Author, Prof. Emmanuel Olaniyi Ibiloye expressed gratitude to the Igbomina community for the support received during the research process.
He noted that the work was born out of a passion to ensure that the entrepreneurial spirit and historical milestones of the Igbomina people are never lost to time.
The ceremony also attracted notable political and community leaders, including; Hon. Shola Odetundun, member representing Irepodun LG Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, Kwara APC Gubernatorial Aspirant, represented by Barrister Rasak Alabi, Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi (ENACT), represented by a team led by Engr. Bayo Alao, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Amoo Oladimeji, OFR, the Jagunmolu of Igbominaland, who served as the Father of the Day ably represented, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, ES/CEO National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Executive Chairman of Isin Local Government, Hon. Jolayemi Lanre Benjamin, among a host of others with many publicly donating for the beautiful work during the official unveiling.
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9japarrot reports that the event concluded with a call to all Igbomina sons and daughters to embrace the legacy documented in the book as a source of strength and cultural pride for the future.
