The Aree of Iree Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Omotayo Muritala Oyelakin Oyekun III, has called for greater investment and collaboration to transform the ancient town into a leading hub for tourism and agriculture in Osun State.
Aree made this known on Tuesday during a press conference held at the Iree Town Hall in Boripe local government area of Osun, as part of activities marking the 2025 Iree Day celebration.
The monarch said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the town’s cultural heritage and reaffirm its commitment to progress and development.
The traditional ruler described Iree as a resilient community that has continued to flourish despite natural challenges, including its mountainous terrain and less fertile land. He noted that the people’s strength and determination have helped them turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Oba Oyelakin emphasized that his vision for Iree Kingdom is to leverage its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to attract tourists, entrepreneurs, and international investors. He explained that the community’s unique landscape and natural resources make it ideal for eco-tourism, agriculture, and sustainable economic development.
The monarch urged individuals, organizations, and global investors to partner with the town in realizing this vision. He stated that such collaboration would help create jobs, boost the local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents of Iree and its surrounding communities.
As part of the celebration, the king called on citizens to remain united and committed to building a prosperous future for the younger generation. He added that the 2025 Iree Day celebration serves as both a reminder of the town’s proud heritage and a call to action for development-minded citizens.
Earlier in his remarks, the Global President of the Iree Progressive Association (IPA), Pastor Tunde Kajogbola, said the grand finale of the 2025 Iree Day will hold on November 15, 2025.
Kajogbola called for greater unity and cooperation among Iree indigenes both at home and in the diaspora. He stated that there is no internal crisis in the town, noting that residents continue to live together in peace and harmony.
The IPA President revealed that the construction of a modern palace in Iree is currently ongoing. According to him, the project aims to preserve the town’s cultural heritage and is expected to be completed next year.
Kajogbola further disclosed that next year will feature the first Iree Women’s Day, a new initiative designed to celebrate women’s achievements and encourage their contributions to community development. He added that plans are also underway to introduce an Iree Marathon as part of efforts to promote unity and physical fitness among residents.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continue working closely with the Aree of Iree and other stakeholders to ensure the sustained progress and development of the town through various projects and initiatives.
