In a historic and peaceful electoral exercise, Prince Adebusuyi Tobiloba Adeleye, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) Ambassador and renowned youth advocate, has emerged as the newly elected Global President of the Ijesa Youth Forum (IYF), the foremost youth body championing unity and progress across over 190 communities in Ijesaland.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Electoral Chairman, Hon. Richard Agbaje-McThomas, who declared the results after what he described as a free, fair, and credible election process conducted under a calm democratic atmosphere.
According to Hon. Agbaje-McThomas, Prince Adeleye’s victory reflects the overwhelming confidence of Ijesa youths in his leadership, character, and vision for a more unified and progressive IYF.
Also elected was Mrs. Aderonke Gbadamosi as the Vice President, alongside other vibrant executives expected to steer the affairs of the Forum in the years ahead.
Hon. Agbaje-McThomas commended all participants for upholding democratic values and charged the incoming leadership to build on the foundational principles of unity, youth empowerment, and active development across Ijesaland.
In his post-election remarks, Prince Adeleye expressed profound gratitude to Ijesa youths for the trust reposed in him, describing the victory as “a shared mandate to serve and transform.”
“This is not a personal victory. It is a collective triumph for every young Ijesa. I deeply appreciate the maturity displayed by my co-contender, Mr John Fakanlu, and all stakeholders who ensured a peaceful process. Now is the time for unity and purposeful action,” Prince Adeleye stated.
He further pledged to run an inclusive administration that would consolidate gains from past regimes while harnessing fresh energy for impactful projects from several bodies starting with a critical engagement with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The newly elected executives are expected to be officially inaugurated on October 1st, 2025, marking a new era of youth-driven leadership in Ijesaland.
