Insecurity in Iresa-Adu: UK-based Prince disburses financial aid to security agencies

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 community elder stated.

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 Wasilat Adegoke, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, and her cabinet.

The programme, 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.