…as Ilawo Hosts 2nd Ayo Olopon Games
In a spirited bid to enhance reportage and access to information about his community, the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Prof.) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, has appointed veteran journalist Lanre Olaleye as Head of the Media and Publicity Directorate of the palace.
According to a press statement signed by George Olabode Adebini, Palace Secretary to the Olu of Ilawo, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Olaleye’s appointment aligns with Kabiyesi’s agenda to position Ilawo among the top indigenous communities in Nigeria.
“Kabiyesi is strongly committed to the all-round development of Ilawo in terms of infrastructural and human capital growth through the ‘Ilawo of Our Dream Agenda.’
“The success of this agenda will only be achieved through a positive public perception of our efforts to project Ilawo in a favorable light. Mr. Olaleye will bring his three decades of experience—drawn from his time with some of Nigeria’s leading media establishments—to bear on internal and external communications of the palace and the Ilawo community at large,” Adebini said.
He added, “With his wealth of experience and broad network in the Nigerian media space, we are confident that we are charting a new course toward achieving the Ilawo of our dreams.”
A graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, Olaleye holds both first and second degrees in Journalism and Communication Studies from Lagos State University (LASU).
He was formerly the Sports Editor of P.M. News, the now-defunct evening newspaper published by Independent Communications Network Limited (ICNL), publishers of The News, Tempo, and P.M. News.
Following a decade-long successful stint at ICNL, Olaleye joined Daily Independent in 2005, where he served as Editor of Daily Independent Breaking News and later as Crime Editor.
He also served as Managing Editor of The Premier Tabloid—Nigeria’s first weekly tabloid—published by ROOBS Communications Network Company, before transitioning into media and public relations consultancy.
Meanwhile, preparations have been concluded for the 2nd edition of the annual Ayo Olopon Tournament, an indigenous Yoruba board game competition organized by the MacGregor Heritage Foundation to promote peace and unity among Egba sons and daughters across Abeokuta and its environs.
The tournament, sponsored by Nigerian Distilleries Limited—makers of Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps—is scheduled to hold from May 16 to 17, 2025, at the Oba Ilawo Palace in Ilawo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The two-day, community-oriented traditional sporting event will feature top male and female Ayo players in a round-robin contest, under a carnival-like atmosphere complete with music, dance, food, and drinks.
Speaking ahead of the event, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor expressed delight at the growing recognition of Ilawo as a cultural hub.
“For two days, Ilawo will host top Ayo players from across Egbaland. We are excited to be part of the movement to promote Yoruba cultural heritage through Ayo Olopon—a game deeply rooted in the wisdom, strategy, and communal harmony of our ancestors.
“The inaugural edition witnessed remarkable participation, but this year’s tournament promises to be highly competitive, with numerous gift and cash prizes to be won. We look forward to a vibrant cultural celebration with our people from all walks of life,” Oba MacGregor remarked.
