Encomium as Lawal, Ladoja storm Ogbomoso for Odun Oba Festival 

It was a day filled with different activities as the Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran (JP), Lagbami Osekun III, and his subjects celebrated the annual ‘Odun Oba 2024’ event on Friday. 

The annual celebration which was formerly known as Odo Oje festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of a new year in the traditional Ijeru calendar. 

The event, which was held for three days and featured mega praise until the next day, was attended by the wife of Oyo Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ajibola Lawal, and the former first lady of Oyo state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja. 

The second day was dubbed Asale Asa, and the final day was a celebration at Orile Oje in Ogo oluwa local government.

While expressing gratitude for everyone’s attendance, especially the Oyo government functionaries, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran (JP), the Onpetu of Ijeruland, Lagbami Osekun III, described Governor Seyi Makinde as an excellent leader who has been resolving numerous Oyo state problems. 

He said that the governor is an engineer who has made enormous contributions to the growth of Oyo State and that, given his accomplishments till date, it will be difficult for his successor to beat his record. 

The monarch however declared that the wife of Oyo deputy governor, who is the Yeye Otun Agbaakin of Ijeru land, had put up an appearance to represent her husband, Otun Agbaakin of Ijeru land, who was the special guest of honour. 

He added: “Your Excellency ma, I am using this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, Engnr Seyi Makinde  for his efforts in Ogbomoso zone. We pray God continue to be with him.”

However, speaking on Odun Oba Day, the Onpetu of Ijeru land, who clarified the difference between religion and culture, pointed out how important the Odun Oba day is and why it should be celebrated. 

Amid the fun-fair and celebration, the Onpetu of Ijeru land bestowed a new title, “Iya Oba’ upon Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, the former First Lady of Oyo state.

Those in attendance included Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, the majority leader of the Oyo House of Assembly, who represents the Ogbomoso South Constituency; Hon. Bisi Oluranti Michael, a lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North Constituency; Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy, the chairman of the Ogbomoso South LG; and Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle, CEO of Afia Construction and Building Engineering Consultancy Services Ltd.

Some Mogajis from ibadan and many Obas from different places were among those who also graced the event.