March 21, 1982 – The Day We Lost a Great Soul fourtythree years ago. On March 21, 1982, the sun set on an extraordinary era as His Royal Majesty, Ọba Àjàyí Ajígúnnà Adéọba XI, the revered Olupoti of Ipoti Ekiti, departed to join his ancestors. A towering figure of grace, wisdom, and benevolence, he reigned for 45 illustrious years, leaving an indelible legacy of peace, progress, and unity forever etched in the hearts of his people.

Born into the storied lineage of Ọba Agbádá Ògìdán, Ọba Ajígúnnà—affectionately called Ọba Ajígúnnà bí Òyìnbó—was more than a monarch; he was a father to his community. Before ascending the throne in December 1936, he distinguished himself as a skilled trader and fashion designer in Kafanchan, serving a diverse clientele including the railway workers—both Black and White—while mentoring apprentices from Ipoti and beyond in the art of tailoring, and trading. 

Upon completing his Three lunar months initiation in Ipèbí, Kabiyesi turned his vision to his kingdom, transforming the old palace into a modern architectural marvel. Personally designing and overseeing its construction, he created a palace that stood as one of the largest and most beautiful in the old Western Region. 

The Palace of Ọba Ajigúnnà Adéọba XI The Olupoti’s three-story palace stands as a stunning example of colonial architecture, seamlessly merging European symmetry and ornate details with local cultural elements. Its exterior boasts multiple gables, a prominent central tower, arched windows, and elaborate woodwork, complemented by spacious verandas and sturdy concrete railings that elevate both its elegance and practicality. Within, the palace pulses with purpose: numerous bedrooms cradle queens, princes, and princesses, while nine grand parlors—one dedicated to morning prayers and nighttime devotions—reflect the Yoruba reverence for òrìṣà and family unity. Two thrones anchor its heart: one at the front, facing the people for public wisdom, and another at the rear, gazing over Ọjà Ejèyìn for quiet counsel, a duality rooted in Yoruba kingship. This palace transcends brick and mortar; it’s a bridge between the mudwalled compounds of old Ilé-Ifẹ and a forward-looking Ipoti, a monument to Kabiyesi’s dream of progress steeped in heritage. Kabiyesi sparked an agricultural transformation in Ipoti, inspiring his people to move beyond subsistence farming toward commercial agriculture. With resolute commitment, he established flourishing farms growing food crops, cocoa plantations, kolanut trees, and various cash crops, extending across both nearby and far-off lands. This farming revolution empowered countless men and women to attain financial prosperity. His initiatives fueled economic expansion, encouraging Ipoti natives to venture into thriving trade businesses, such as Pa Adefila's Shop (Anfani Retail Shop), Pa Omotosho’s Shop (OmoOba’s Retail Shop), Pa Bàbájde Shop (Súkúlúbì’s Retail Shop), and even Ajayi Pharmacy Store near the Olupoti’s palace, among others. Additionally, farmers’ cooperatives emerged, alongside approximately four major cocoa store outlets where cocoa farmers sold their yields during the harvest season. 

Under the leadership of Ọba Àjàyí Ajigunna, Ipòti flourished, boasting a vibrant community of successful entrepreneurs and prominent figures who held influential positions in both public and private spheres. Among these notable individuals were Chief Adewunmi, the pioneer behind Ipoti’s first sawmill and bread bakery, which served the town and its surroundings, alongside Chief Oriade Wellington and Baba Akande, a distinguished Permanent Secretary in a Federal Government ministry. The gallant Colonel Ayọ Àriyọ also gained recognition as a formidable commander during the Biafran War, spanning July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970. 

The list of luminaries extended to Chief Oyelakin, Chief Babatunde Ilé Agbemọ, Architect Afe, Pa and Prof. Taylor, Chief Ọláyọmi, Papa Ọlọmọjọbí and the family, Pa Oríọlá and the Oríọlá family, Pa Ọbayọmí, who acted as secretary to the Ipoti community, and Pa Ọmọlẹwà, a former Ipoti secretary, together with the Ọmọlẹwà family. Others included Pa Alẹṣinlọyẹ, Pa Bàbátunde, Pa Dare and the Dare family, Pa Obembe, Pa and Mrs Ojúọlá, Pa Akanro, Pa Arowólo, Pa Ọmọtọshọ, Pa Dada ilé Ogidi, Pa Ogunadé, Pa Arogundáde and their family, Pa Adépọjù and their family, Pa Honorable Dada, Pa Doctor Ọmọle, Pa Oyèjọlá, Pa Àlàbí the taylor at IleIfe, Pa Àdúmátí, Pa Arigbẹdẹ, Pa Òní and their family, Pa Ònítìjú, and numerous other exceptional men and women. Among them was Yeye Èyéjí, the revered traditional leader of all women in Ipoti Èkìtì. 

These remarkable individuals collaborated closely with Kabiyesi, Ọba Ajigunna bí òyìnbó, contributing significantly to the growth and advancement of Ipoti during his reign. 

A passionate advocate for education, Kabiyesi played a pivotal role in establishing numerous schools through the Western Region government and missionary organizations. This included the creation of Local Authority Primary Schools, as well as Baptist, Anglican, Seventh-day Adventist, Ipoti High School, Modern School Ipoti,,and Ansarudeen Islamic Primary Schools in Ipoti. Under his leadership, Ipoti emerged as a beacon of progress. He successfully advocated for the construction of tarred and untarred roads that connected Ipoti to farmlands facilitating the transport of produce and trading with the neighborhood towns, particularly linking  of Ipoti to Òkèila and OdòỌwá, Ilokuno, Ìlọ́rọ, and Ìjùrìn Èkìtì. One of the region's largest fish ponds, inspired by Lawyer JOB Ọmọtọshọ, a distinguished son of Ipoti, exemplified the collective ambition he nurtured among the community. As opportunities flourished, Ipoti thrived as a center of advancement. 

Beyond Ipoti, His Majesty’s influence reached far. A confidant to many Yoruba kings and luminaries like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his counsel was prized, and his friendships forged enduring ties across the region. Yet, amidst his royal duties, he remained a devoted family man, raising his children with boundless love and instilling in them the values of morality, education, and integrity—principles that endure in their lives today. 

As we mark this solemn anniversary, we honor a king whose heart beat for Ipoti Ekiti, a ruler whose reign ushered in a golden age, and a father whose love knew no bounds. The rustling leaves of his farms still whisper his name, and his legacy lives on in the unity and progress of our beloved town. 

Rest in eternal peace, Kabiyesi. Your light continues to guide us, and your memory remains a cherished blessing. 

With love and reverence, ỌmọỌba Ọdúnayọ Ajayi for the Family. 

Princess Mrs Ọnàọlápò Ọláyíwọlá Prince Barrister Kayode Àjàyí Princess Mrs Ìbíyẹmi Bankole Princess Ayọọlá Ọláwùmí Ọmọle Princess Mrs Àdùnní Òní Princess Mrs Ayọoyè Ògúnsúyì Prince Adélọdún Ajayi Princess Mrs Oyèwùmí Ọtókì Princess Mrs Adéọlá Fatokis Princess Mrs Abọsẹdé Awẹ Princess Mrs Adéfúnkẹ Ásàbí Ajíbọlá Princess Mrs Adéfọlákẹ Babajide Prince Ọlániyi Àjàyí Princess Abigail Ọsunyomi Prince Ọlálérè Àjàyí Princess Mrs Adébísí Daisi Princess Àbíkẹ Prince Olówó Àjàyí Princess Ọlátúndùn Prince Oyelakin Àjàyí Prince Adéoyè Àjàyí  Prince Kọláwọlé Àjàyí Prince Gbádébọ Àjàyí Princess Elizabeth Àjàyí Princess Mrs Aduke Ọmọboríowó Prince Dele Àjàyí Prince Ọdúnayọ Àjàyí Princess Temitayo Adépọjù Princess Adébámigbé Akodu Princess Oyèpónmilé Ọpẹyẹmi Princess Mrs Apekẹ Akindúró Princess Mrs Ọmọboyè Akinsola Princess Mrs Ọládùnmómi Ajibade Princess Mrs Doctor Kúnbi Akingbèdèmí Princess Mrs Dúpẹ Princess Mrs Moji Òjó Princess Mrs Adésọlá Owóṣeni Prince Kehinde Àjàyí Princess Taiwo Jẹgẹdẹ Prince Joshua Kehinde Àjàyí Prince Oyèníran Àjàyí Princess Oyeladun Teniola. 

Comments & Tributes In Loving His Royal Majesty, Ọba Àjàyí Ajígúnnà Adéọba XI, The Olupoti of Ipoti Ekiti -1936 - 1982 are welcome below