Ijeshaland Agog as Owa Obokun Inducts Erelu Olusola Obada into Hall of Fame

It was a display of culture, prestige, and profound gratitude as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, formally inducted the former Minister of Defence, Her Excellency, Erelu (Dr) Olusola Obada, CON, into the prestigious Ijesha Hall of Fame. The induction serves as a high-level recognition of Dr. Obada’s transformative contributions to the socio-economic and security landscape of the region during her tenure in the Federal Executive Council and as the former Deputy Governor of Osun State.

​Top on the list of achievements cited for her induction was her instrumental role in establishing a full Battalion-strength Army Barracks in Ibodi-Ijesha. The monarch noted that this strategic move significantly bolstered the security architecture of the state, stimulated the local economy of the host community, and provided a permanent sense of safety for residents and travelers within the Ijesha axis.

​In what many residents have described as a historic intervention, Erelu Obada was also honored for facilitating the Federal Government’s construction of an earth dam at Kajola-Ijesha. This critical infrastructure was designed to provide a sustainable water supply to Ilesa, a city that had famously groaned under the weight of a water crisis and lacked pipe-borne water for over 50 years.

​Speaking during the ceremony, the Owa Obokun described the former Minister as a trailblazer who utilized her national influence to attract tangible development to her roots. He remarked that by securing a military presence for Ibodi and addressing the perennial water scarcity in Ilesa, Dr. Obada had effectively written her name in letters of gold within the history of the Ijesha nation.

​In her response, a visibly moved Erelu Obada thanked the traditional ruler and the Ijesha people for the honor, stating that her actions were driven by a deep-seated commitment to service and the progress of her homeland. The event, which drew high-ranking traditional rulers and political stalwarts from across the country, concluded with a celebration of her legacy of impactful governance.