Mogaji Alabi of Fajimi Yerombi’s Compound Empowers Youth, Women During Family’s Annual Festival
.....Ibadan Family Festival Blends Tradition, Youth Engagement, and Empowerment
There was a festive atmosphere at Fajimi Yerombi Street, Ita Agbaakin, Oranyan in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as the prominent Basorun Fajimi Yerombi family held its Annual Cultural Day Festival.
The 2023 edition of the Fajimi Yerombi Family Day Festival, which featured the symbolic presence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland’s staff of office, commenced on Wednesday, October 18, and concluded on Friday, October 20. The three-day event was marked by a series of engaging activities, including quiz and Ayo Olopon competitions, among others.
Speaking with journalists, the Mogaji (family head), Oladiran Alabi, explained that the annual celebration was initiated to preserve and promote the rich heritage of their forebears. He added that the festival is also designed to engage younger generations within the family and neighbouring communities.
According Mogaji “My grandfather, Basorun Fajimi, a direct descendant of Yerombi, became the Mogaji after Yerombi’s death. He later rose to become the Baale of Ibadan in 1897 and, in 1899, was elevated by Alaafin Adeyemi I to the prestigious title of Basorun, making him one of only four Basoruns in Ibadanland,” Alabi said.
Mogaji Alabi described Basorun Fajimi as a distinguished warrior and statesman whose leadership ushered in a period of peace, development, and economic prosperity in Ibadan. According to him, this era witnessed infrastructural growth, thriving commerce, and the introduction of the Lagos-Ibadan railway line, which significantly boosted the city’s economic expansion.
Alabi further noted that historical records indicate that Basorun Fajimi’s residence (Igbejo) was the first storey building in Ibadanland and the first to feature corrugated iron sheet roofing.
“Our family occupies a significant place in the history of Ibadan. It is for this reason that we remain committed to sustaining and promoting our heritage,” he added.
At the event, Dr. Faleye Joshua and Arinola Dairo emerged winners in the senior and junior categories of the Ayo Olopon competition, while Adewale Ogunpe and Ikimo Dairo secured second positions in their respective categories.
As part of the celebration, artisans and youths were empowered with items such as motorcycles, sewing machines, and generators.
Speaking on the initiative, Alabi emphasized the importance of giving back to society, noting that empowerment remains a key strategy in fostering self-reliance and curbing youth idleness.
“This empowerment programme has been ongoing for years. Our goal is to equip our people with the capacity to cater for themselves and their families. The best way to combat idleness is through empowerment,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items distributed to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.
One of the beneficiaries, Badmus Kabiru, expressed gratitude and pledged to use the motorcycle he received to support his commercial transport (okada) business. Similarly, Kaodara Olatunji said the sewing machine she received would enable her to start her own tailoring business.
In addition, school chairs and tables were distributed to support effective learning among pupils in the community.
Also speaking, a family member, Adepoju Akintunde, commended Mogaji Alabi for his leadership and generosity, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the Fajimi Yerombi family.
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