Odun Oba Festival: Oloola, other Monarchs Embody Unity in Yewa Land
By Gafari Edun
The Odun Oba festival, initiated by Oba Dr. Mutiu Alani Adedimeji Oyede-lawal, the Oloola of Ilara Kingdom, was a grand success, fostering solidarity and unity among ILARA community dwellers.
In his words, Oloola of llara says this Odun Oba is initiated to mark Ileya festival and it shall be observed every Ileya festivity.
Oloola continues that this Odun Oba shall be observed in such a way that annually it will bring all sons and daughters of Ilara-Ogudo Yewa both at home and in diaspora together to celebrate Ileya festival with their king.
He adds that Odun Oba will be an avenue for the people of llara ogudo yewa to keep on renewing their sprit of oneness and it will also promote religion tolerance.
The festival brought the traditional rulers from Yewa land and neighbouring Benin Republic to display their spirit of oneness, attending the event at Ilara Yewa on Saturday14th June 2025.
This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Ilara kingdom, highlighting its potential to become a major tourism hub.
The event was focused on the launching of Oba Oyede-lawal Charity Foundation.
This Foundation which has been in existence since 2010 it as LAMACO FOUNDATION, now renewed as Oba Oyede-Lawal Charity Foundation.
Contributing to growth and development in sports, the Foundation awards scholarship and sponsorships for students, catering for widows, and the less privileged, with emphasis on education as a cornerstone for future generations.
Previous beneficiaries from the Foundation include Engineer Idowu Olabode , with Distinction in HND Electrical Electronics from Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Mr. John Adeoluwa Ogunrinde with First Class in B.Sc. Mass Communication from Crescent University, Miss Abiola Rukayat First Class in Bsc Accounting from Crescent University, and Mr. Adebayo Francis First Class in B.A French from Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye.
The festival also featured Chieftaincy Celebration, urshering new chiefs in the community and new honorary chiefs with wrist beads, symbolizing community cohesion and unity.
Also is cultural display, a vibrant showcase of Ilara Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage of which the Muslim Community displayed “Sikiri” and Ijumu Ilara Community displayed Kete Dance, the Hunters also entertained people with different styles of drama.
The festival was attended by notable Obas from Yewa land, including: HRM Alaketu of Ketou Kingdom ably represented by Iyalode of Ketou kingdom, HRM Oba Benjamin Oyeditan Olanite, Onimeko of Imeko land, HRM Oba Dr.Lukman Olalekan, Olu of Imasayi.
Other monarchs present include HRM Oba Samuel Olatunji Olufemi Olaniyan, Olujoun of Ijoun land, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Arojojoye III, Obaladi of Afon land, HRM Oba Engr. Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobese, Oja Odan, HRM Oba Oladokun Jacob,the obalede of Illikimou land .
Also in attendance are HRM Oba Pascal Olorode, the Alagbede of Oke Àgbède, HRM,Oba Olusegun James Taiwo FCA ONIYUNKUN 1, the ALALE of Moriwi Kingdom
Government officials and community groups also graced the occasion, including Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Adeluyi Tosin, former local government chairman, Imeko -Afon.
Also gracing the occasion are baales of various communities in Ilara, Oloola Council of Chiefs, CDC, CDA and the Itesiwaju Ilara Community Forum
The Odun Oba festival promotes unity, development, and community engagement, showcasing the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and potential for tourism development.
By celebrating their rich cultural heritage, the kingdom strengthens its bonds and fosters a sense of solidarity among its people.
