Today, Saturday, 30th May 2026, witnessed a remarkable event at the Eleyinpo Palace, Ipapo, as His Royal Majesty, Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye II, the Eleyinpo of Ipapo Land, hosted members of the 1985 graduating set of Ipapo Community Grammar School at their first reunion gathering.
While unveiling the purpose of the reunion, Alhaji Tajudeen Olayiwola Gbolahan explained that the gathering was organized to reconnect members of the 1985 set after over forty-one years of leaving the school. He noted that the reunion would help bridge communication gaps among members, strengthen unity, and enhance the welfare of members, particularly the less privileged. He further stated that the reunion would also provide an opportunity for the set to contribute meaningfully towards the forthcoming ICGS @ 50 Anniversary Celebration scheduled for September 2026.
In his welcome address, His Royal Majesty, Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye II, expressed his delight at hosting his former classmates and friends. He urged members to remain grateful to Almighty God for preserving their lives and granting them the opportunity to reunite after several decades. The monarch also remembered members of the set who had passed on, offering prayers for the repose of their souls. This was followed by a one-minute silence in honour of the departed classmates.
In his remarks, the 1985 Set Coordinator, Mr. Hammed Wasiu, expressed his delight at the impressive turnout of members and encouraged everyone to continue reaching out to their classmates and bringing them into the Royal Set platform.
Professor Sifau Adejumo Oláwóore appreciated all attendees for honouring the invitation. She also thanked Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye II for hosting the members and appealed to them to make future reunions even more successful through increased participation.
Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Jacob Babalola emphasized the importance of adequate planning, education, dedication, competence, positive attitude, prayers, and good character as essential ingredients for a successful and fulfilling life. He urged members to embrace these virtues in their daily pursuits.
The gathering also provided an avenue for the appointment and inauguration of the 1985 Set Executive Committee, which will be led by Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye II as Patron. Other members of the executive include Alhaji Kayode as Governor, Mr. Hammed Wasiu as Financial Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olayiwola Gbolahan as Public Relations Officer, and Professor Sifau Adejumo Oláwóore as Treasurer, among others.
The event was attended by several palace aides and distinguished guests, including Prince Folarin, the Palace Secretary, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies; Prince Tayo Adedeji; Mr. Jimoh Okunlola, Chairman of the Eleyinpo Royal Family; and Barrister Abiodun Ogunjinmi, who was honoured with an Honorary Membership Award of the 1985 Set.
(Prince Folarin
Principal Secretary to His Royal Majesty, Oba Yekini Ademola Abioye II, the Eleyinpo of Ipapo Land)
