A prominent traditional title holder and intellectual convener, Prince Kazeem Adeyanju Olanrewaju Bakinson, the Aare Mayegun of Owu Kingdom and Convener of the Ajibosin Platform, has formally announced the commencement of preparations for the 3rd Edition of the Annual Ajibosin Symposium.
In a letter addressed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bakinson expressed deep appreciation for the elder statesman’s continued support and guidance towards the growth of the Ajibosin intellectual initiative.
He recalled that the first and second editions of the Ajibosin Book of Proceedings were successfully presented during Obasanjo’s 89th birthday celebration, noting that the encouragement received at the time has remained a driving force behind the platform’s continuity.
According to him, the Ajibosin Platform has continued to serve as a vital forum for intellectual discourse, cultural preservation, and policy engagement, bringing together scholars, leaders, and stakeholders across sectors.
As part of efforts to expand its reach, Bakinson disclosed plans to present copies of the Ajibosin Book of Proceedings at the forthcoming Odun Omo Olowu Festival scheduled to hold in London in May 2026.
He explained that the move is aimed at deepening diaspora engagement while projecting the cultural and intellectual contributions of the Owu Kingdom and Ogun State to a global audience.
The convener further announced that the 3rd Edition of the Ajibosin Book of Proceedings will be formally unveiled on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
The event, he said, will commence at 10:00 a.m., followed by a dinner reception at 5:00 p.m. at the Small Marquee within the same venue.
Bakinson also revealed that the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Professor Ayo Omotayo, has been confirmed as the Guest Speaker for the symposium.
He emphasized that the choice of Omotayo reflects the platform’s commitment to policy-driven discourse and national development conversations.
Beyond the symposium, Bakinson used the opportunity to commend what he described as the growing political maturity in Ogun State, particularly in the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, as a consensus candidate.
He noted that the endorsement of Yayi by key stakeholders without rancour demonstrates a new level of unity and strategic alignment within the state’s political landscape.
The Ajibosin convener further declared his personal endorsement of the senator, expressing confidence in his leadership capacity and grassroots appeal.
Bakinson added that youths from Owu Kingdom are already mobilizing massive support for Yayi, promising to deliver what he described as the highest number of votes through an aggressive door-to-door campaign strategy.
He maintained that such grassroots mobilization reflects the growing acceptance of the candidate and the desire for continuity in progressive governance in Ogun State.
While reaffirming his commitment to intellectual engagement through the Ajibosin Platform, Bakinson appealed to Obasanjo for continued fatherly guidance and support to ensure the success of the forthcoming symposium.
He concluded by reiterating that the Ajibosin initiative remains dedicated to fostering ideas, preserving heritage, and contributing meaningfully to national development through dialogue and scholarship.
