Adebayo of Iresa Disburses Financial Aid to Security Agencies Amid

Rising Crime in Iresa-Adu

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

London-based Prince Adebayo Kayode, popularly known as Prince Adebayo of Iresa, has disbursed financial aid through his foundation, Iresa Royal Foundation, to security agencies in the Iresa-Adu community. This move comes in response to the

persistent robberies and security lapses in the township.

Reports emerged on Sunday, July 7, indicating a recent surge in criminal activities in

Iresa-Adu. Businesses were raided, and shops were emptied overnight, according to

local sources. A security meeting held by the community elders on Monday, July 8, was interrupted by residents reporting a daylight robbery. “A resident’s home was

burgled while the meeting was ongoing, which abruptly ended the session,” a Prior to these incidents, on Friday, July 5, the community mourned the loss of the

‘Iyalode’ of Iresa-Adu, further adding to the community’s distress.

Prince Adebayo was a guest at the ‘Oyo State International Business Summit’ held by

the Executive Governor Seyi Makinde in London, UK, on May 19, 2023. During the

summit, Governor Makinde emphasized the need for stakeholders and residents to

contribute to developmental projects within their communities. “Oyo State is larger

than some African countries like Gambia or Rwanda,” the governor noted, stressing

the importance of maintaining community peace to attract investors.

Aligning with the governor’s vision, Prince Adebayo made a significant donation on

July 25, 2023, at the public commissioning of the Civil Defence Area Command in

Iresa-Adu. This follows his previous contributions to the Divisional Police within

Surulere Local Government.

In January 2024, the ‘Student Relief Loan’ program was launched in Iresa-Adu,

attended by Honourable Wasilat Adegoke, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth

and Sports Development, and her cabinet. The program, sponsored by Prince

Adebayo through the Iresa Royal Foundation, offers loans to higher education

students with flexible repayment options.

The Iresa Royal Foundation, founded by Prince Adebayo during the global effort to

tackle the effects of COVID-19 in April 2020, remains committed to the development

of Iresa-Adu. More information about the foundation can be found at Iresa Royal

Foundation.

The Iresa-Adu community overwhelmingly supported Governor Seyi Makinde in the

2023 election. A community spokesperson expressed appreciation for the governor’s

efforts in alleviating the suffering of the less fortunate and requested more attention

to Iresa-Adu in his developmental vision. “We believe in the governor’s vision for Oyo

State and hope for more focus on our community,” the spokesperson added.