The Onilua of Ilua in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, HRH Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere, has inaugurated a caretaker committee for the Ilua Community Development Association, charging members to demonstrate dedication, efficiency and diligence in the discharge of their duties.
The inauguration, held on Saturday, May 9, followed the dissolution of the association’s previous executives, creating what the monarch described as a leadership vacuum that required immediate action to ensure continuity in community administration.
At the ceremony, Mr. Sulaimon Shittu was appointed Chairman of the caretaker committee, with Hon. Ademola Italeke serving as General Secretary and Madam Hon. Khadija Babarinde as Financial Secretary. Other members include Alfa Fatai Olagbojo and Alfa Bashiru Azeez.
Speaking during the event, Oba Olalere explained that the decision to constitute the caretaker committee was borne out of the need to sustain governance and development efforts in the community after the exit of the former executives. He stressed that allowing a vacuum in leadership could hinder progress and disrupt ongoing initiatives.
Drawing a parallel with national leadership, the monarch referenced the period of late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s illness, which led to the emergence of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Acting President to maintain administrative continuity in Nigeria. He noted that similar proactive steps were necessary at the community level to avoid stagnation.
Oba Olalere urged the newly inaugurated committee to place the collective interest of Ilua above personal considerations, emphasizing that commitment and transparency would be key to achieving meaningful development. He also called on residents to support the new leadership and foster an atmosphere of peace, unity and cooperation.
The monarch further commended the immediate executive members for their contributions to the growth of the town, acknowledging their efforts in advancing community projects during their tenure.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman, Mr. Shittu, expressed gratitude to God, the monarch and members of the community for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to lead with inclusiveness and to implement initiatives that would promote economic growth and overall development in Ilua.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Ilualand, Alhaji Taofeek Aroworakewu, admonished the committee members to uphold integrity and avoid actions that could undermine their administration. He offered prayers for wisdom, knowledge and divine guidance for the success of the committee.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Alhaji Azeez Ogundijo, Hon. Ebun Popoola, Deacon Awolola Parara, as well as youths, community stakeholders and other well-wishers.
