Olashore's Coronation

The second Iloko Day was unique among the different community day celebrations. Its goals remained the same, to bring in revenue and bring home different people, but it attracted some major dignitaries that brought with them a wide variety of donations. Many came to see Prince Oladele Olashore, a minister of finance in the Transitional Council. He was a very influential leader who held high positions. Many came to see him and donate, even though they did not have a connection to Iloko itself. After this celebration, the economy and position of Iloko fell considerably. In 1994, they did not have an Iloko day because many did not feel like others would come or be able to donate to their cause.

In April of 1997, Oladele Olashore became the Oba, the traditional ruler, of Iloko-Ijesa. He was replacing his father who had died in 1989. Oladele Olashore did not agree to become the Oba until 1996, and in February of 1997, the installation process began. There was a wide range of activities that combined religion, tradition, and innovation to celebrate their new leader. Olashore becoming the Oba demonstrated the importance of hometown connections. He was a successful businessman and banker who came back to the place in which he grew up to help give back to his community through different forms of economic, social, and political development.