“Life is simple. Everything happens for you, not

to you. Everything happens at exactly the right

moment, neither too soon nor too late. You don’t

have to like it… it’s just easier if you do.” ―

Byron Katie

When Yeye Bunmi Dipo Salami (BDS), began her earthly

journey, there were no comets. There were also no predictions or prophecies, (practices that are prevalent in many African villages in those days).

Her parents were educated, a rare privilege at her time of birth and they gave little Bunmi, sound early education that entrenched her feet solidly on life’s journey that now produced a brainy, resourceful, diligent, hardworking and beautiful woman, whose touch on planet earth has been very remarkable.

So, when the drums were rolled out on Saturday, November 2, 2024, part of annual Iyin Day celebration, which kicked off from Monday, October 28, to Sunday, November 3 and Bunmi Dipo Salami was called upon by frontline monarch and Oluyin of Iyin, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, to be the Yeyemo’ye of Iyin Ekiti, it was a title well deserved.

The brand new Yeyemo’ye, Bunmi Dipo Salami (aka B D S), graduated at the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ife, Osun State.

She began work at the non-profit sector in Nigeria as a Programme Officer at the Centre for Human Development, Ile-Ife (1998–2000) and from there joined Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Lagos, as a Programme Officer in 2000.

She rose to the position of Programme Director in 2006.

Similarly, she was Senior Trainer and Co-Coordinator of the International Women’s Democracy Network (IWDN), at the Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights and Development, in the United States between 2007 and 2008.

She launched LaRen Consulting in 2009 and was the Principal Consultant/CEO, until she was invited to serve in the government of her home state, Ekiti, in 2010.

As a public servant, she functioned at different times as Commissioner and as Special Adviser to the Governor, with responsibilities for Planning, MDGs & Multilateral Relations; Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs; and MDGs & Development Relations until 2014.

She is currently back to BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, as the Executive Director, making her selection as the Yeyemo’ye (Woman of Wisdom), a well-deserved title.

The cap really fits.

Preparatory to the Iyin epochal event, Pastor Remi Obaparusi, Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, had made an announcement on Saturday, October 26^th 2024, expressing excitement on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Oluyin of Iyin, Oba Adeniyi Adeola Ajakaiye, the Oluyin-in-Council, and the entire Iyin community.

He christened the year’s celebration; ‘Celebration of Unity and Development,’ with the aims to highlight the Iyin Kingdom’s unity in diversity, resilience, and commitment to progressive development.

The weeklong festivities showcased Iyin Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and natural resources.

Activities showcased include: an interdenominational service, a medical outreach program, environmental sanitation efforts, essay writing competitions, and the awarding of scholarships and bursaries.

Additionally, various competitions such as indoor games, football matches, and an inter-school quiz took place, along with a health and fitness walk and empowerment initiatives, which includes the distribution of palliatives.

Highlighting the weeklong was the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles, the Iyin Day carnival, and the launch of the N750 million Development Fund, aimed at further enhancing the growth and welfare of the Iyin community.