Ilaje Nation
Ilaje National Conference 2025
Established through the Ilaje National Conference on 23rd February 2025 in Akure Convened by Chief Benjamin Olomidegun
Historical Background
On 13th February 2025, High Chief Benjamin Olomidegun—a wealthy Ilaje-born business mogul and CEO of High Tide Marine—conceived the idea of reuniting the sons and daughters of Ilaje across the globe under one unified body.
His genuine intention was to:
Promote unity and harmony among Ilaje people.
Shun social vices and disunity.
Harmonize ideas under one platform for good governance, development, and social interaction.
Chief Olomidegun shared his vision with a few trusted stakeholders, whom he appointed to collaborate with him:
Prince Oye Mafimisebi
Prince Emorioloye Owolemi
Araba Ebietomiye Tony
Chief Benjamin Olomidegun (Convener)
Together, they resolved that the proposed body should be known as Ilaje Nation, a united organization that would serve as the voice, rallying point, and developmental platform for all Ilaje sons and daughters worldwide.
Stakeholder Engagement
Chief Olomidegun and his team embarked on extensive stakeholder consultations:
Traditional Rulers: Consultations were held under the chairmanship of the Amapetu of Mahin. The rulers endorsed the idea and recommended a national conference to formalize the organization and elect administrators.
Government: The team met with the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who warmly received and blessed the initiative.
The Ilaje National Conference
The Ilaje National Conference was scheduled for 22nd–23rd February 2025 in Akure.
Participants: Over 255 stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and professionals.
Logistics: Three hotels were booked (including Bon Hotel & Suites), catering and allowances provided, and media/publicity sponsored by Chief Olomidegun.
Program: The conference featured lectures, goodwill messages, and discussions on the challenges facing Ilaje Nation, with proposals for unity and development.
Key Guest Speakers & Resource Persons
Chief Olusola Oke, SAN
Prince John Ola Mafo
Chief Olusola Ebiseni
Hon. Tunde Ayemo
HRM Oba Afolabi Odidiomo (Olu of Igbokoda)
Justice Olusegun Odusola (Chief Judge of Ondo State)
Barr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN
Dr. Ibukun Omotehinse
Dr. Tony Aduro, among others.
Inauguration & Challenges.
During the conference, traditional rulers took steps—independently of the organizers—to nominate representatives of the proposed executive council. This led to some confusion and questions from stakeholders, as the process was seen as inconsistent with the original vision.
Despite these challenges, ₦53 million 750,000 was raised during the conference to finance the establishment of a High Court in Igbokoda.
Restructuring and Formal Establishment.
Following the conference, stakeholders demanded a restructuring of the organization to:
Properly accommodate traditional rulers, youths, and other interest groups.
Clearly define executive roles and responsibilities.
Align the aims and objectives of the organization with the resolutions of the National Conference.
A communiqué was drafted and finalized by:
Prof. Aderonke Ikuomola
Dr. Wunmi Ilawole-Egbayelo
Barr. Lawson Akintokun
Thus, the Ilaje Nation was formally established as the umbrella body for all Ilaje people across the globe, to pursue unity, justice, and development.