The Planning Committee for the annual Iwude Ijesa Festival has announced activities for the 2024 edition, rebranded as the Ijesa Unity Carnival. This rebranding follows the transition of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran II, which necessitates a unique format and special naming for this year’s celebration.
The Chairman of the Committee, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, extended congratulations to all sons and daughters of Ijesaland worldwide on this historic occasion.
Speaking at a committee meeting, flanked by the Vice Chairman, Alagba Wale Idowu, he highlighted that the festival’s format reflects the absence of the paramount ruler traditionally at the heart of the celebration.
Chief Igbaroola explained that the Planning Committee focuses on the social aspect of the event, including guest invitations and program logistics, while the tradio-religious components remain under the purview of the custodians of Ijesa culture.
He also disclosed that before his transition, Oba Aromolaran approved Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, for the grand finale and civic reception, marking a shift from the usual last Saturday before Christmas.
This approval sparked enthusiasm among Ijesa people globally, resulting in the formation of over 40 groups eager to participate in this rebranded historic celebration.
The committee has proposed a detailed schedule of activities commencing Friday, December 13th, 2024, and culminating on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, as follows:
Program of Events
Day One: Friday, December 13, 2024
Special Jumat Service
Venue: Iloko-Ijesa Central Mosque
Time: 1:00 PM
Royal Guest of Honour: Oba Ayodeji Imran Akintola – Alua of Erin Oke
Chief Host: Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe – Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa
Day Two: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Special Church Service
Venue: The Apostolic Church, Oke-Ooye, Ilesa
Time: 10:00 AM
Royal Guest of Honour: HRM Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II – Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa
Day Three: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Ayo Game Competition
Venue: Iwude Ijesa Permanent Secretariat, Okemese, Adimula Palace Square, Ilesa
Time: 10:00 AM
Royal Guests of Honour:
High Chief Saka Fapohunda – Ogboni of Ilesa
HRM Oba Adewale Ojarotade – Alaa of Ilaa Ijesa
Chairman of the Day: Hon. Gbenga Onigbogi
Day Four: Friday, December 20, 2024
Cultural Day
Venue: Iwude Ijesa Permanent Secretariat, Okemese, Adimula Palace Square, Ilesa
Time: 12:00 PM
Royal Guests of Honour:
HRM Oba Samson Kehinde Oyebade – Ogboni Ipole
HRM Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro – Alademure Ibokun
High Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Bolanle Ojo – Yeyerise of Ilesa
Day Five: Sunday, December 22, 2024
Civic Reception / Iwude Carnival
Venue: Ilesa Grammar School Sports Complex
Time: 12:00 PM
Chairman: Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi – Asiwaju of Ijesaland
Celebrants: All Ijesa Obas, Chiefs, and sons and daughters of Ijesaland, at home and in the diaspora
The grand finale will attract dignitaries from various sectors, including traditional rulers, government officials, past and serving governors, senators, captains of industry, and friends of Ijesaland.
The Planning Committee said it is collaborating with security agencies to ensure safety and security during the events.
Leave a Reply