•How 50 Age Grade Groups Dazzled In IJEBU-ODE
It was a gathering of Ijebu-sons and daughters on Tuesday 13th of 2019 at the pavilion ground of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland where the historical event took place. The colourful events which witnessed a huge turnout of many Nigeria business tycoons, Industrialists and politician of note was a memorable one which will forever linger in the minds of many who attended the event.
WHY IJEBU SONS AND DAUGHTERS DONT MISS OJUDE-OBA
Many Ijebu sons and daughters defied the rain on Tuesday 13th of August when they all stepped out in colourful attires to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland. The love and respect they have for their king made many of Ijebu sons abroad to witness the 2019 Ojude Oba. 85years Oba Sikiru Adetona was looking many times younger, beaming with a smile as many of the Ijebu age-grades stood up to sing the Ijebu anthem while he sang along. Sitting close to the Governor of the state, Oba Sikiru couldn’t control his joy when he gave his speech a few minutes past 1 pm. Looking so at peace, he told the Large congregation that even if he doesn’t make next year Ojude-Oba, the Ijebus should be careful in selecting his successor. He later prayed for Ijebu sons and daughters home and abroad.
WHAT ALAAFIN OF OYO AND AWUJALE OF IJEBU LAND HAVE IN COMMON
Do you know that Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamii Adeyemi and Oba Sikiru Adetona are very close? These first-class kings are not just close, they also have alot in common. Perhaps we should tell you that they are both the same age bracket. They also wear their traditional caps the same way. Alaafin started wearing it first before Awujale joined his friend to follow suit. It was not a surprise to many of those who know how close they are to see Alaafin of Oyo making way into the pavilion at few minutes past 11 am. He was welcomed by his friend, Awujale with his royal whip before he took his seat beside him.
WHY ALAAFIN BROUGHT MASQUERADES FROM OYO TO ENTERTAIN AWUJALE
Many who saw the huge Masquerade performance at the pavilion were surprised to see masquerade for the first time at Ijebu Ojude-Oba. Seeing it being set ablaze was also a double surprise that a masquerade filled with palm oil was not inflammable. It was however announced by the MCs that it was Alaafin that brought the Masquerade from Oyo. It is the masquerade that always comes out for a king who had used over 50years on the throne.
PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN Dances with MEMBERS BOBAGUNTE
The Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun was one of the early callers at the event. Filled with joy, he was spotted in a cream coloured attire as he walked beside his beautiful wife, who was clad in emerald green monotone Lace attire. His Excellency whose age-grade fall in between Bobagunte Okunrin Akile Ijebu led by the Giwa Otunba Adesanya Yusuf was not surprised to his Giwa who led Prince Gboyega Alatise and top members of his age grade to pay homage to the King. He quickly joined the age-grade to walk around the pavilion and take pictures with them. As “Omo-Ijebupataki“ that he is, he was at the grand reception held in his honour at the newly built event centre of Otunba Babatunde Adesoye in the city of Ijebu-Ode.
EX-GOV. GBENGA DANIEL AND OSOBA MADE IT
2 former Ogun State Governors, Governor Olusegun Osoba of APC and Governor Gbenga Daniel were at 2019 Ojude-Oba. They were one of the guests at the VVIP section who sat very close to Awujale of Ijebuland. While Aremo Segun Osoba was there incapacity to support the Governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was there as the son of the soil.
DR SULEIMAN ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA SUPPLIED FREE REFRESHMENT TO OVER 20, 000 GUESTS
Ijebu Billionaire, Dr Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa was the special guest of honour at 2019 Ojude Oba. The Ceo of Fototek was one of those who threw their weight behind Kabiyesi. Fottek boss who is also the maker of Bigi Gala, Bigi Cola, Fearless energy drink shared free gala and drinks to over 20,000 guests who came for the event.
MEET AWUJALE SURVIVING REGBEREGBE, “EGBE MAFOWOKU“
Egbe Mafowoku which is an age-grade of Ijebus born between 1932 to 1934 is the Egbe of Oba Sikiru Adetona. Egbe Mafowoku has also aged gracefully while some couldn’t step out due to old age.
MEET EGBE BOBAGUNTE OBINRIN GOLD
Give it to the Iyalode of Egbe Bobagunte Obinrin Gold, Toyin Aberuagba. This Lagos society woman who is a top Lagos fabric merchant dazzled with members of her age grade which is 1959 to 1961. Many couldn’t take their eyes off them as they took turns to pay homage to kabiyesi. Among members of the age-grade are Mrs Bolanle Bashorun (Otun Iyalode), Jumoke Ogunfuwa(Balogun), Omolara Ogunyomi(Iya Laje), Ileade Adegbesan(Secretary), Folasade Grillo(Treasurer), Laide Balogun(Otun Iyalaje), Mojibade Yisa(yeye Oge), Olawunmi Daramola, Kubrat Onalaja, Lolade Ihimure, Mrs Adesina, Idowu Akinsanya(Tegbese), Yemi Afolabi, Shola Adetola, Ronke Kazeem to mention a few.
EGBE BOBAGUNTE (OLU-IWA) MADE IT
Egbe Bobangunte Olu-Iwa Obinrin Akile Ijebu whose age grade are between 1959-1961. They were led by their Iyalodes, Iyalode Abiola Ogunnowo Akande for the parades to Awujale. Among the members present were Sheri Ulor (UK Gunte). Sobanwo (Uk), Olokodano and others.
MEET EGBE OBALEKE OKUNRIN AKILE IJEBU
Egbe Obaleke Okunrin Akile Ijebu is the age-grade between 1941 to 1946. They were led by their Giwas Opeoluwa Surakat and his deputy, Prince SEGUN Aderibigbe, and among others sighted were Balogun Ade Salisu, Musiliu Adenusi(Otun Balogun), Biodun Oluomo, Okunboyejo Ayo, Bola Ogunbadejo, Soga Adewusi, Ambassador Akinsanya and many others
WHY EGBE BOBAKEYE OKUNRIN IS VERY POPULAR IN IJEBU
There is no doubt that Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin is popular among Ijebu age grade. This is because they comprise of many Nigerian prominent members who are doing so well in their chosen career just like every other age-grade in ijebu. Their age grade is 1956-58. They are the only Egbe who have produced the Governor of the State, until recently that Egbe Bobagunte produced Prince Dapo Abiodun. The group also comprises of technocrat, politician, business tycoon to mention few.
EGBE JAGUNMOLU OBIRIN STEALS SHOW THIS YEAR
One of the Egbe who were visibly active his Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin. Don’t forget that this age-grade which has two factions couldn’t make the event 2years ago after they lost top members of their age-grade.
EGBE JAGUNMOLU AKILE –IJEBU OKUNRIN ALSO LED BY KAYODE ABDUL
The Male Category of Egbe Jagunmolu is also divided into 2. There is EGbe Jagunmolu Okunrin and Egbe Jagunmolu Okunrin Akile Ijebu. Funny as it may sound, these two groups are led by two `Abduls`. Though not related, but their surnames are the same. Their age grade is 1965-67 and their Giwa is Kayode Abdul, Olaide Balogun(Otun Giwa), Olajide Keshiru, Babalaje Kemi Aregbe, Oloko Surajudeen, Muili Agbetu, Kehinde Adebanjo, Gboyega Alli, Gbenga Okunsanya, Rotimi Adekoya were among members sighted.
MEET EGBE GBOBANIYI OKUNRIN(1962-64)
Egbe Gbobaniyi Okunrin are gentlemen born in 1962-64. they also came for 2019 Ojude-Oba. They were led by Giwa Mufutau Owolabi Oseni while other members like Oba Bayo Okubela (Eleruwon), Oba Ibukun Gbadebo(Akalako of Aiyepe) among many others made it.
AND LAGOS FABRIC MERCHANT, AYIMBA FASAWE LED EGBE GBOBANIYI OBINRIN OLORI
Lagos fabric merchant, Ayimba Fasawe led her own faction of Egbe Gbobaniyi Obinrin Olori. Among many members sighted were Mrs Remi Offili, Mrs Rukayat Abiola, Alhaja Yinka Omoniyi, Abeke Bello, Mrs Oshiyemi, Bolaji Ajimotokan, Lanre Adeboyejo, Idayatu Mabadeje, Kudi Anomo, Mrs Olowe, Alatishe Funmilayo, Bukky King, Basiratu Ajomo,Seki Adesina, Basiratu Bello and many others.
AND 2ND FACTION OF EGBE GBOBANIYI OBINRIN WERE LED BY PRINCESS ADEBUKOLA OSINBAJO
Egbe Gbobaniyi Obinrin led by Iyalode Adebukola. Hon Olaqjumoke Dairo. Kemi Balogun, Ayora Iyabo Amoo, Lateefat Ogunde, Funke Olugbile, Basirat Okusi, Bisi Edu were among the many members sighted.
HON LADI ADEBUTU Pays homage to Awujale
Though Hon Ladi Adebutu came in between the program to join his age grade, many of his political followers couldn’t stop shouting “Lado“. Yes, Hon Ladi Adebutu, the son of Ijebu Billionaire, Chief Kesington Adebutu is a member of Egbe Gbobaniyi Okunrin Akile Ijebu whose age grade is between 1962-64. Giwa Tunde Ashiru was the one who led the Egbe while other members like Kunle Lawal, Olakunle Femi Kareem, Sakin Owodunni, Mabadeje Ganiyu, Demola Alimi, Sikiru Adegunwa, Tajudeen Sanusi, Kunle Alidu, Rasheed Onikoyi, Olatunji Oshinowo were sighted.
WHY “EGBE AROBAYO” AKILE IJEBU IS POPULAR THAN THE NEW EGBE AROBAYO
It may interest you to know that while some Ijebu Egbes have 2 to 3 factions, there is only one age-grade which has been able to unite since inception. It is Egbe Arobayo Akile Ijebu whose age grade is from 1968-70. Their Iya Egbe is Otunba Sade Adesoye while their Baba Egbe is Otunba Laide Fowosere. They have both been their Matron and Patron for close to 15years. They were the ones who beat other 44 Regberegbes at last year Ojude Oba to win the 500 thousand cash gift. They were led by their Iyalode Taiwo Odunmosu but it was a big surprise to see a New Arobayo at the 2019 Ojude Oba. City people investigation revealed that they are Egbe Mayegun who are younger in age than the Egbe Arobayo but they decided to increase their age to fall in between the Arobayo which can`t be fixed into Egbe Arobayo Original.
GIWA AHMED ADELAJA LEADS EGBE AROBAYO ASIWAJU AKILE IJEBU
Egbe Arobayo Okunrin has 2 factions. They are Egbe Arobayo Akile Ijebu and Egbe Arobayo Asiwaju Akile Ijebu. Their age grade is between 1968-70. Egbe Arobayo Akile Ijebu settled for a peach colour polish lace matched with brown aso-oke cap. Otunba Olaleka Oladele, Bode Ayanleye were among member sighted.
ALHAJA KOREDE ALATISE AND OTUNBA WALE OREAGBA’S SONS SHOW OFF THEIR HORSE RIDING SKILLS
The Iyalaje of Ijebuland, Alhaja Korede Alatise and her husband, Otunba Gboyega Alatise have been able to keep the tradition of their lineage at this year’s Ojude Oba. This is because their son is one of the youngest Horse riders from the Balogun lineage of Ijebu land. It is believed that it is the Baloguns in Ijebu whose tradition as warriors make them have chains of horses which is used in the olden days during the war. So also is Balogun Oreagba clan who was led by Otunba Wale Oreagba whose son dazzled many with his horse-riding skills. Among other horse riding families sighted at the event were Balogun Onafowokan, Balogun Bello Kuku, Balogun Abass Odejayi, Balogun Adeyemi Sarumi, Balogun S. Adedesoye, Balogun Alatishe, Balogun M.O Shote, Chief Odunuga while the current Balogun, Chief Agboola Alausa dazzled with his well-decorated horse at this year Ojude –Oba.
OTHER EGBES WHO WERE ON PARADE @ 2019 OJUDE OBA ARE
Egbe Tobalase Obinrin(Iyalode Bolanle Kuforiji, Egbe Tobalase Obalofin( Iyalode Sade Kasali), Egbe Bobamayegun Ounrin(Giwa Omoba Adeyemi), Egbe Bobamayegun Asiwaju Obinrin (Iyalode Kemi Ariyo), Egbe Tobalase Okunrin Akile Ijebu( Giwa Alausa Abiola), Egbe Bobagbimo Obinrin(Iyalode Kikelomo Odutayo), Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin( Giwa Odufemi Okenla), Egbe Tobalase Obinrin Rontex( Iyalode Olayinka Olowoporoku), Egbe Bobamayegun Obinrin Diamond(Iyalode Islamiyat Sowami), Egbe Bobayo Okunrin Akile Ijebu( Giwa Bosun Oke), Egbe Obafuinwaji Obinrin( Iyalode Bolanle Monsurat), Egbe Obafuwaji Adedoyin Obinrin( Iyalode Oluwatoyin Ayanbadejo), Egbe Bobagbimo Okunrin Akile Ijebu( Giwa Ayodeji Osibogun), Egbe Obafuwaji Okunrin(Giwa Alhaji Olasupo), Egbe Bokeye Obinrin Surakat(Iyalode Omolara Odueku) Egbe Oluwagbadebo Okunrin Akile Ijebu( Giwa Odutayo Mushafau), Egbe Bobajolu Obinrin Akile Ijebu Original( Iyalode Oyinade Adekoya), Egbe Bobajolu Obinrin Basiri Akinle Ijebu( Iyalode Princess Adetona, Oba Sikiru Adetona Younger sister) among many others.
– Abiola Orisile
