OYEBANJI PALACE
PACAKGE
The Chairman and Chief Launcher of Ikogosi Day 2026, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, has mobilised one billion naira for the construction of a modern palace in Ikogosi-Ekiti.
Olowolafe, who is also the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, announced the fundraising at the annual community celebration, where he commended the Ekiti State Government for mobilising influential stakeholders and private sector resources towards the state’s development.
Government House Reporter, Yemi Olajutemu, brings details of the report.
The Are-Ekiti-born philanthropist commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing the political leadership and enabling environment for development in culture, tourism, infrastructure and investment promotion.
He said the administration’s efforts to identify and engage individuals and institutions capable of contributing to the state’s progress were creating opportunities for communities and strengthening Ekiti’s economic prospects, adding that the state’s human, cultural and economic resources, if properly harnessed, could position the state as destination for investment and tourism.
Olowolafe disclosed that he personally approached 37 friends and associates to raise the one billion naira, attributing their willingness to contribute to their confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, credibility and national reputation, pledging to continue using his professional relationships, business networks and international connections to attract partnerships and development opportunities to Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to Olowolafe and the 37 donors on behalf of the people of Ikogosi, described the Chancellor as one of the state’s greatest assets and a distinguished son of Are-Ekiti. He said the intervention demonstrated the importance of collective responsibility in community development, stressing that government alone could not meet every development need without the participation of individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.
The Governor assured the people that the one billion naira would be used strictly for the construction of the modern palace, urging successful Ekiti indigenes to emulate Dr Olowolafe by deploying their influence, resources and professional connections to support development in their respective communities.
Oyebanji further used the occasion to canvass support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in January 2027, describing the President as a partner in his administration’s development efforts.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Ikogosi, who spoke through the Asaoye, Chief Ayo Ademilua, the President of Ikogosi Development Union, Mr Olusola Agbaje, and the Chairman of the celebration committee, Mr Tayo Olajubu, thanked Olowolafe, Governor Oyebanji and the donors for their contributions to the town’s development assuring that the funds would be judiciously utilised for the intended project.
Other dignitaries described the fundraising as a significant boost to the community’s development aspirations..
