The Management of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, has been formally recognised at the Night of Tributes held in honour of the late Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi Afuntade I.
The solemn event brought together members of the royal family, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, academics, professionals, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ilawe, and other distinguished guests to celebrate the life, achievements and enduring legacy of the late monarch.
The College Management, led by the 2nd Substantive Provost, Dr. Smart Odunayo Olugbeko, comprised the Registrar, Dr. Khadijah Wuraola Garba; Bursar, Mrs. Mofoluso Olutayo-David; and College Librarian, Dr. Abdulmumin Isah.
The Management was invited for recognition by High Chief Gbenga Agbona, Elemo of Okeemo Quarter, who used the occasion to call on the people of Ilawe-Ekiti to collectively support and protect the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti.
High Chief Agbona described the College as one of the important legacies and projects associated with the late monarch, stressing that the institution must not be allowed to fail. He urged the people of Ilawe to rise in support of the College, noting that the continued growth and success of the institution would serve as one of the enduring ways to honour the late king and ensure that his name and legacy continue to live on. The call for community support resonated strongly with the theme of the evening, as speakers reflected on the remarkable contributions of the late Alawe to the development and advancement of Ilawe-Ekiti.
The event was indeed a memorable memorial, with several dignitaries sharing personal reflections, tributes and accounts of the late monarch’s impact on the community. Prayers were also offered for the peaceful repose of his soul and for his successor to continue from where he stopped in advancing the development of Ilawe-Ekiti.
Among the dignitaries present were Olori Abimbola Alabi, wife of the late monarch; Princess Fadekemi Folasade Alabi MBAH, Regent of Ilawe-Ekiti; Prof. Adetayo Alabi; Prince Alabi Adebanjo, son of the late king; High Chief Gbenga Agbona, Elemo of Okeemo; High Chief Ajibade Olubunmi, Odolofin of Irorin Quarter; High Chief Olojaaye of Olojaaye Quarter; Engr. Abeereowo of IIU Lagos; Barr. Adesina Dele San; Senator Yemi Adaramodu; the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ilawe, alongside several other dignitaries.
The Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, remains committed to partnering with the Ilawe community and other stakeholders in advancing education, human capital development and sustainable community growth.
As the people continue to celebrate the life of the late Alawe, the message from the Night of Tributes remains clear: preserving his legacy requires collective action, and supporting the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, is an investment in the future of the community.
May the legacy of Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi Afuntade I continue to live on.
