The Olu of Alajue Kingdom in Ede, Osun State, Oba Dr Sulaiman Adewale Adebayo, has called on the State government and private investors to support the development of the community, citing poor infrastructure, the need for quality schools and untapped economic potential in the area.
The monarch made this appeal during the 2026 Ileya Fiesta held in Alajue Kingdom on Saturday, where indigenes at home and abroad gathered for the celebration.
Speaking during the event, Oba Adebayo said the gathering was organised to reconnect sons and daughters of the community with their hometown and encourage them to invest in its growth.
“We are here to celebrate with our family members and town people, home and abroad. We do this gathering for the sons and daughters of the Alajue Kingdom to come home, know each other and establish something here,” the monarch said.
He appealed to the government at different levels to pay more attention to the community, particularly in the areas of education and economic development.
“We are begging the government to remember us here. They are trying, but we still need more support. We need big schools and more establishments,” he said.
The traditional ruler also highlighted the agricultural potential of the community, noting that Alajue produces large quantities of palm oil that could contribute significantly to the economy if properly supported.
“We produce red oil here that can satisfy the people in Osun, and we beg the government to help us expand it,” he added.
Chairman of Ede East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Abdulfatai Olaleye, described the event as more than a cultural celebration, saying it was aimed at attracting development and investment to the community.
“Kabiesi is calling people who think this is just a village to come and see what is happening here. This is a means of drawing people home to establish something that will attract investors,” he said.
Olaleye noted that the proximity of the community to the proposed international airport in Osun places it in a strong position for future economic opportunities.
“The international airport is very close to this place. It will attract many investors, and this area will grow into something big,” he stated.
Chairman of the planning committee, Alhaji Alabi Adewole, said the event was organised to project the community positively and encourage development.
“Our king is using this programme to seek massive development for the area so investors can see us and come here,” he said.
Adewole added that developing rural communities would help reduce migration pressure on urban centres.
“If the government develops rural communities, migration from villages to cities will reduce, and people living here will enjoy a better life,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Barrister Taofeeq Olayiwola, popularly known as Nagode, described the fiesta as historic and capable of changing public perception about the town.
“It sends a strong message that this community is growing,” he said.
According to him, the community is expected to witness major transformation in the coming years, especially with development projects around the airport corridor.
“In the next 10 years, people will be surprised at what this place will become,” he added.
The event attracted community leaders, political figures and indigenes from within and outside Osun State.
