The Founder’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Asiwaju Moses Oyeleye Ayanbeku.
The story of the Ayanbeku Dynasty is inextricably linked to the very foundation of Ifetedo. Born on April 22, 1930, in Okeigbo to Gabriel Ayanbeku of the Adesigbin Dynasty and Emilia Olawumi Orofunke of the Odo-Eleyowo Ruling House, Asiwaju Moses Oyeleye Ayanbeku was a child of destiny. At just one year old, he was part of the historic migration of the Adesigbin Dynasty from Okeigbo to found the settlement then known as Oke-Odo, which we today honor as Ifetedo. This early relocation set the stage for a life dedicated to the growth and elevation of his people and his heritage.
The path to greatness was not without its trials. Following the passing of his father in 1940, a young Moses faced a “stormy and turbulent” educational journey that took him across various institutions in Ile-Ife. Despite these hardships, his resilience shone through as he transitioned from a humble Ward Servant at the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital to a State Registered Nurse by 1953. His excellence was undeniable, and by 1956, he took a visionary leap to establish Ifeolu Maternity and Clinic—the first of many ventures that would cement his reputation as a pioneer in the Western Region of Nigeria.
Asiwaju Ayanbeku was a titan of industry and a servant of the people. His influence stretched from the healthcare sector to the transportation industry as a prominent magnate and Vice Chairman of the NURTW, Osun State. A man of immense foresight, he established the first private secondary school in Ifetedo, the Ayanbeku Memorial Grammar School, in 1973. His political career reached its zenith in 1979, when he was elected to the House of Representatives under the Unity Party of Nigeria, representing the interests of the Oranmiyan South Federal Constituency with distinction.
A celebrated philanthropist, sportsman, and socialite, his contributions were recognized through numerous traditional titles, culminating in his installation as the Asiwaju of Ifetedo. Today, the Ayanbeku Dynasty Archives stands as a testament to a man who was both a keeper of tradition and a builder of the future. His legacy continues through his successful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, carrying forward the flame of excellence, service, and family honor that he ignited nearly a century ago.