Makinde, Olubadan to Commission Luxury Housing Projects at AFIA Year-End Gala

The Association of Friends, Ibadan (AFIA), a premier socio-cultural organization renowned for its contributions to the development of Ibadanland, is set to host a landmark year-end celebration on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The event, which promises to be a gathering of the city's elite, will also serve as the official commissioning ceremony for two major real estate projects: Afia Apartment and Afia Court. This dual celebration underscores the association's commitment to urban renewal and economic development within the Oyo State capital.

Leading the list of distinguished guests is the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, whose administration has consistently partnered with private sector players to drive infrastructure growth. Joining him will be His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), marking a significant convergence of political and traditional leadership. Their presence highlights the strategic importance of these projects to the broader Ibadan master plan, signaling high-level endorsement for private-led housing initiatives.

The projects to be commissioned, Afia Apartment and Afia Court, are situated in the upscale Chief Lateef Oyelade GRA, Ring Road, Ibadan. They represent a significant injection of modern housing stock into the city's real estate market. Afia Apartment comprises 24 units of 2-bedroom service apartments, designed to cater to the growing demand for serviced living spaces among young professionals and expatriates. Complementing this is Afia Court, a more diverse development featuring 9 units of 3-bedroom service apartments, alongside a mix of fully detached duplexes ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms. These estates are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a Day Care center and a Supermart, reflecting a holistic approach to community living.

Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, the CEO of Afia Group and Mogaji of the Adanla family, is the visionary behind these developments. Known for his innovative approach to construction, Mogaji Adanla has positioned these projects as benchmarks for affordable luxury in the region. His dual role as a traditional title holder—Turaki Adinni of Oyo State and Wakil Faido Tijaniya of Yorubaland—and a business leader allows him to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and modern economic imperatives. The commissioning is expected to draw a host of other dignitaries, including Chief Kola Karim, the Agba Oye of Ibadanland and Chairman of Shoreline Energy International, further cementing the event's status as a major social calendar fixture.

Beyond the brick and mortar, the event serves as a platform for networking and celebrating the resilience of the Ibadan business community. AFIA, under the leadership of its President, Mogaji Abiola Iyiola, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering camaraderie among the city's movers and shakers. The association's ability to attract such high-profile figures to its events speaks to its influence and the respect it commands across the socio-political spectrum.

As Ibadan continues its rapid urbanization, projects like Afia Apartment and Afia Court are critical in redefining the city's skyline and living standards. The commissioning ceremony on Christmas Eve will not only celebrate these architectural achievements but also set the tone for the continued transformation of Ibadan into a modern metropolis that balances tradition with progress.