Ife Indigenes in Lagos Commend Omisore’s Books on Great Ifes in History

Ife Indigenes in Lagos Commend Omisore’s Books on Great Ifes in History

Indigenes of Ile-Ife, Osun State, residing in Lagos have commended Hon. Ahmed Ipoola Omisore for documenting the lives and contributions of prominent sons and daughters of the ancient town in his new book series, Great Ifes in History, Volumes One and Two.

The indigenes, who spoke with Echonews ahead of the public presentation of the books scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, expressed delight that Lagos had been chosen as the venue for the launch, saying it would enable many Ife indigenes living in the state to participate in the celebration of their heritage and honour their departed parents featured in the publications.

They said they were particularly pleased that some of their parents had been recognised in the books and that they would have the opportunity to receive posthumous awards on their behalf in acknowledgement of their contributions to society.

“Many of us live in Lagos, and our parents appear in some chapters of the books. We will be glad to attend the gathering to honour the author and also receive the posthumous awards on behalf of our parents,” one of the indigenes told Echonews.

Omisore, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, school proprietor and illustrious son of Ile-Ife, is set to unveil the two-volume publication at the Great Ifes in History Symposium, Book Launch and Lifetime Service Awards in Lagos.

The event, organised by Omisore in conjunction with Medomis Corporate Ventures, will hold at Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotels, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, beginning at 12 noon.

Speaking during a recent radio interview, Omisore said the books were conceived to correct the perception that Ile-Ife’s historical significance rests solely on its traditional institution and the person of the Ooni.

According to him, Ile-Ife has produced numerous outstanding men and women whose achievements and contributions to the development of the town and society deserve greater recognition.

He explained that the publications document the profiles of distinguished sons and daughters of Ile-Ife, past and present, who have contributed immensely to the history, development and reputation of the ancient city.

The author disclosed that more than 70 per cent of the personalities featured in the books were deceased, noting that their contributions needed to be preserved for posterity and recognised by succeeding generations.

He added that the books were also intended to inspire younger Ife indigenes to take greater interest in the town’s development and challenge existing perceptions associated with the saying, “Ife l’Oba… ko l’Eniyan.”

Meanwhile the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, are among prominent personalities expected at the event.

Oba Ogunwusi, the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, has been designated the Royal Father of the Day, while Hamzat will serve as the Principal Guest of Honour.
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and former chairman of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, is also expected as one of the Principal Guests of Honour.

Other personalities expected include Chief Lamina Rasheed, chairman of the Association of Indigenous Seafood Stakeholders in Nigeria, who will serve as Chairman of the Day; Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, the Principal Chief Launcher; and Arc. (Chief) Dupe Amoo Omisore, who will serve as Chief Host and Launcher.
The programme will also feature traditional rulers, academics, public officials, business leaders and community representatives.

A major highlight of the gathering will be a symposium on the theme, “Ife l’Oba… O si l’Eniyan,” focusing on the historical, cultural and social significance of Ile-Ife, its traditional institutions and the contributions of its people.

The discussants include Dr Yomi Layinka, First Vice President of the Ife Development Board; Professor Adisa Ogunfolakan, Professor of Historical Archaeology at Obafemi Awolowo University; Dr M.R. (Baba) Sanni, a retired chief lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; and Pastor Femi Arilewola of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos.

Their participation is expected to bring historical, academic, cultural and social perspectives to discussions on preserving Ile-Ife’s identity and promoting appreciation of its heritage.

Among the personalities scheduled to participate in the book launch are Chief Henry Olofinsogite, chairman of Henry Tinner Glass Nigeria Limited; Aare (Dr) Olumiyiwa Omisade, Aare of the Source, Ile-Ife; Professor Olayinka Agunwusi of Osun State University; and Chief (Arc.) Tokunbo Omisore, Ajisewa of Egbaland.
Prince Dozie Mbanefor, chairman and managing director of Crystal Communications Limited, is also listed among the principal launchers, while Mr Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and President of the Ife Development Board, will serve as the book reviewer.

The Lifetime Service Awards will form another major component of the event, with the organisers set to recognise individuals whose professional achievements, public service and community contributions reflect leadership, patriotism and excellence.
Political and community leaders from Ife and Lagos are also expected, including Hon. Yemisi Rosiji, Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA; Hon. Usman Hamzat, Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government; Hon. Adedeji Temitope Adewale, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I; and Hon. Rasheed Kadiri, an APC candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II.

Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, member of the House of Representatives representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, is also listed among the guests of honour.

The organisers said the gathering would bring together traditional authorities, scholars, public officeholders, business leaders and community representatives to celebrate historical legacies, promote cultural consciousness and encourage younger generations to appreciate the contributions of distinguished individuals to society.

The Great Ifes in History series is expected to provide a lasting record of notable lives and achievements associated with Ile-Ife, while the symposium and awards ceremony will celebrate the enduring values of service, patriotism, leadership and excellence.

The event is scheduled to begin at 12 noon on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotels, Ikeja.