By David Akinmola

The Fusion of Aye Development Association (FOADA), the umbrella body of all Associations and Unions in the Aye Kingdom has said the Aye Kingdom is set for the 2023 edition of its Layelu Day Celebrations.

The association, announced the event yesterday through a press statement made available to this medium and signed by its president, saying that Layelu Day is a yearly event that is held every second week of November every year in the last thirty-nine years.

The programme is a week-long activity which culminates into the final Layelu Day on the 11th of November, providing an opportunity for the sons and daughters of the kingdom who have travelled far and near to gather to discuss developmental issues in the community.

Aye Kingdom is an agrarian community in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, which is the second-largest community after Okitipupa in the LGA. Ode Aye, the economic and administrative centre of the kingdom is centrally located within the communities that make up the kingdom. Ode-Aye popularly referred to as the Gateway to Ikale Land is the first major town when entering into Ikale Land from Ore town.

The community, since the commencement of the Layelu Day celebration has embarked on some monumental developmental projects which include the Layelu Hall, the ongoing construction of the Oba’s Palace, the establishment of Layelu Microfinance Bank Limited, the funding of the Aye Skill Acquisition Centre, the running of a community library, etc.

Speaking on the ongoing development projects of the association in Ode-Aye, the President FOADA, who also doubles as the Asoju Oba of Ikale Land, Chief Henry Olatujoye, said the association within the last year financed the grading of some township roads, engaged youths in constructive dialogue on the security of life and properties and has been involved in the educational development of some secondary school student in their preparation for their final certificate exams.

According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Going Forward’. This is because Aye Kingdom has decided to go forward in developing our community even in the face of daunting challenges. We are resolute in our decisions and irrespective of whatever comes our way, we have resolved to continue to develop our land, our people and our Kingdom.

As the kingdom celebrates again in 2023, some daily activities have been lined up to showcase our musical culture. The youths will be engaged in a friendly football match final on Thursday. On Friday is an interactive session where community leaders

will discuss to chart a way forward in the needed development of the community.

Chief Olatujoye said a lecture titled ‘Alternative dispute resolution as opposed to litigation’ will be delivered by Barr. Felix Ogunmade at the Layelu hall, Ode-Aye.

A seminar on youth development will take place on Tuesday the 7th and a special programme for ladies and women awareness will also take place on Wednesday the 8th at the Layelu Hall. Ikale Connect sponsors both programmes.

Saturday is the grand finale of the celebration at the Layelu Hall grounds, Ode-Aye. It shall be a celebration of royalty, culture and tradition of the Aye kingdom. Donations for developmental projects will also be made by the sons and daughters of the kingdom. On Sunday 12th November, there will be a thanksgiving service at the Cherubim and Seraphim Zion Church, Ode-Aye.