One of the most famous athletes in the whole world is from Esa-Oke. His mother was born there, into one of our ruling houses – and he recently returned to our town, to a tumultuous, rapturous homecoming,
His name is Israel Adesanya. He is now based in New Zealand, Yes, New Zealand, that Island nation near its bigger, better known country of Australia,
Impressed by the carnival-like reception Israel was given at his maternal home-town, the Esa Oke-born World Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) boxing Champion, has decided to fully integrate into the Olumojo clan, where his mother is a Princess.
His mother, a United Kingdom based nurse, Princess Adekemi Taiwo Adesanya is from the Anaye (Gogodudu) Ruling House, one of the four ruling houses in Esa Oke, while the father, also a UK based accountant, is from Odogbolu, Ogun State.
At www.esaoketodayonline.com it is recalled that Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever recorded in the UFC history in the fight, out striking and outpointing Adesanya to win the middleweight title in Sydney, Australia.
Few fans or pundits believed that Strickland had a chance to dethrone Adesanya, one of mixed martial arts’ finest strikers, but the challenger combined constant forward movement with solid defence and clinical output at UFC 293
However, Israel immediately put the disappointment of the loss of his World Middleweight title behind him to visit his mother’s kinsmen and women in Esa Oke, Osun State, where he was given a red-carpet reception.
The www.esaoketodayonline.com correspondent reports that It was a carnival of sorts at the palace of the paramount ruler of the Esa Oke Kingdom. The Owa-Omiran, Oba Alayeluwa Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran, Atipa Owaji 11, that Thursday, August 22, 2024 as the celebrated New Zealand based martial artist and fist boxer UFC star Israel Odunayo Temitayo Mobolaji Adesanya visited his maternal community of Esa Oke, Osun state. Nigeria. He was accompanied by his mother, Princess Adekemi Taiwo Adesanya.
He was ushered into the palace by traditional drummers, in company of an enthusiastic crowd of highly elated youths and family members. The obviously elated Owa-Omiran was full of praises to God for the feats achieved by the young artist and prayed extensively for his glory to continue to shine brighter and brighter to the glory of God. The revered Owa-Omiran announced that the Ananye ruling house-born Israel will be honoured during the Esa Oke Day celebration in November 2024.
The elated Prince Adesanya has expressed deep gratitude to the Owa-Omiran, the chiefs and people of Esa Oke for trooping out in large numbers to welcome him, and promised that he would do all within his power to assist the community, especially the youths to further their educational careers.
The proud mother, Princess Adekemi Taiwo Adesanya is the daughter of the late Pa Alaba Ajiboye, popularly known as Alaba Sadipe, an Osogbo, Osun State, based textile merchant who hailed from the Anaye (Gogodudu) ruling house of Esa Oke. Her mother hailed from Ile Ogboni Odo, in Oke Esa Quarters.
She is married to Otunba Adefemi Adewale Adesanya from Odogbolu, Ogun State.
Israel has now decided to show appreciation to his mother’s clan by instituting annual scholarship awards for three indigent students every year.
The scholarship scheme, which is for tertiary education, is exclusively for Indigenes of Esa Oke.
This gesture, www.esaoketodayonline.com learnt is in further pursuit of his commitment to the development of our beloved community and the pursuit of academic excellence.
Details of the scholarship awards, it was gathered, will cover the full tuition, accommodation, and weekly allowances. The award is up to a maximum of ₦3,500,000 per academic year for each student.
Also, the scholarships will cover the entire duration of the students’ undergraduate studies, whether for a B.Sc. or HND program.