His Imperial Majesty, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup (Ajimoko III), is set to honour the Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola FCA, and his wife, Mrs Olubunmi Igbaroola, with prestigious chieftaincy titles.
The installation ceremony, scheduled for Friday (October 23) this week, will see Chief Afolabi Igbaroola installed as Bobaselu of Ilesa, while his wife, Mrs Olubunmi Igbaroola, will be installed as Yeye Bobaselu of Ilesa.
The honour is a significant recognition of their contributions, dedication, and commitment to the development of Ijesaland.
Before his elevation, Chief Igbaroola served as the Majeobaje of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Omofe, Ilesa. He is also an executive member of the Ijesa Community Development Assembly and a member of the Ijesa Elder Forum and Ijesa Development Council, among other organisations.
A distinguished Chartered Accountant, Chief Igbaroola attended Ilesa Grammar School, graduating in 1978, before proceeding to Osogbo Grammar School, where he obtained his Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1982. He subsequently studied Accounting at the University of Lagos, Akoka, graduating in 1985.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, he served as a lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Okene, in the then Kwara State. His outstanding conduct earned him recognition from the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, as the best-behaved corps member.
Chief Igbaroola completed the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), became an Associate Member in 1986, and was elevated to Fellow in 1992. He is also affiliated with several other professional bodies.
Driven by his passion for Ijesaland, he returned to Ilesa in 1987 to establish his chartered accountancy practice, opening what is described as the first audit and accountancy firm in the town. In 1990, he expanded his operations by establishing another branch in Osogbo.
Since 1993, Chief Igbaroola has remained actively involved in developmental initiatives across Ijesaland, contributing his professional expertise, experience, and resources to the growth of his community.
His emergence as Bobaselu of Ilesa is a proud moment for the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee and the entire Ijesa community. It highlights the importance of recognising individuals whose years of service, sacrifice, and dedication have contributed to the progress of their people.
As Ijesaland celebrates this well-deserved honour, congratulations are extended to Chief Afolabi Igbaroola FCA and his wife, Mrs Olubunmi Igbaroola, on their forthcoming installation as Bobaselu and Yeye Bobaselu of Ilesa, respectively.