Yesterday, 27th September 2025, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Hon. Abdulazeez Aremu Yakubu Tinuola, marked his first anniversary in office with a public showcase of his administration’s achievements, the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed Onijan of Ijan-Otun Palace and the handing-over of new council vehicles.
The event was held at the Onijan of Ijan-Otun Palace and drew traditional rulers, political leaders, councilors, security officers, religious leaders and residents from across the local government.
The commissioning of the Onijan palace which was rebuilt after a devastating fire in January 2021 provided the emotional centrepiece of the celebration. In his welcome address, the Onijan of Ijan-Otun, His Royal Highness Oba Aaron Aransiola Omoniyi, thanked the chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and all contributors for restoring the palace and dignity to the throne.
He described the project as a demonstration of unity and urged sons and daughters of Ijan-Otun at home and in the diaspora to sustain support for community development.
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The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ibrahim Yahyah Alebiosu, who led other royal fathers at the ceremony, praised Hon. Tinuola for the timely intervention, noting that many who once doubted the chairman’s capacity to deliver had been surprised by the visible results.
“None of the stakeholders here were fully in support of you when you were seeking the position, but you surprised them with several developments and projects across Irepodun,” the monarch said, while thanking both the chairman and the governor.
In his address, Hon. Tinuola acknowledged the key role of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in approving and supporting major projects, and he reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive, grassroots development.
He recounted the many interventions delivered across the 11-month period from traditional institution restorations to water, health, education, security, roads, electricity, agricultural support and administrative upgrades and pledged to consolidate gains in the coming year.Health and education formed a major strand of the chairman’s presentation.
His administration renovated and equipped multiple primary health centres, constructed and rebuilt staff quarters, and reactivated supply systems to ensure steady availability of essential medicines.
Schools benefited from classroom renovations and rebuilding works, including the reconstruction of burnt classes and hostels at the School for Special Needs, St. Paul LGEA School, Omu-Aran, and upgrades at several primary and junior secondary schools across the council.
Water supply projects included installation of motorized and solar-powered boreholes in strategic locations such as the Omu-Aran NURTW Motor Garage, the frontage of the Olupo’s Palace in Ajase-Ipo, and numerous communities in Oro, Arandun and Esie. Dozens of faulty hand pumps were repaired, restoring potable water to several villages that had been without reliable water sources.
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On security, the chairman announced the construction of a joint security outpost at Omu-Aran, the reconstruction and upgrade of security quarters at GRA Omu-Aran, installation of a motorized solar borehole at the outpost and the distribution of twenty motorcycles to local security operatives to improve mobility and response.
The improvements were presented as part of a broader effort to protect lives and property in the council.
Economic and social interventions featured the launch of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Shopping Complex ; a 14 lock-up-shop facility at the Ilorin–Omu-Aran NURTW motor garage — and the renovation of the Irepodun Tailoring Association Secretariat. The chairman also outlined cash and tools empowerment programmes for petty traders and artisans aimed at boosting local livelihoods.
Roads, drainage and electrical projects were highlighted as evidence of improved connectivity and safety.
Works carried out included rehabilitation of culverts, construction of box culverts in key junctions, targeted drainage channelization and the spreading of laterite on previously unmotorable roads.
Electrical works included repairs to transformers, installation of solar streetlights and the restoration of power to public facilities including the Omu-Aran Correctional Centre.
Administrative capacity-building measures rounded off the chairman’s presentation: the legislative complex was renovated, official vehicles were procured for senior council officials, a new local government conference hall with executive car park was constructed, and a 18-seater bus was provided for the legislative council.
The highlight of the day’s activities, the launching and formal handing-over of new council vehicles for councilors, was performed in the presence of the royal fathers and stakeholders, and was received with applause as a move to strengthen local governance and improve mobility for representation and service delivery.Voices from the floor reinforced the positive tenor of the event.
A representative of the councilors testified to the chairman’s consultative approach, recalling how Hon. Tinuola once halted a project at the councilors’ request; a demonstration, he said, that the chairman listens and works in synergy with elected representatives.
Hon. Tayo Awodiji, former member of the House of Representatives for Irepodun, and the Divisional Officer for Irepodun, also spoke, commending the chairman’s focus and urging sustained momentum.
Christian and Muslim clerics led intercessory prayers and admonitions, calling on political actors to remain humble, serve the people faithfully and continue with the development trajectory.
Traditional rulers, including the Olomu of Omu-Aran and the Elesie of Esie Land, praised the administration and prayed for the chairman’s continued success.
The ceremony closed with cultural displays, prayers and a renewed pledge by Hon. Tinuola to deepen community development.
He thanked all partners, well-wishers, and the governor for their support, and appealed for continued cooperation from the people of Irepodun as his administration moves into its second year.
