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The Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has expressed full support for the upcoming 2025 Iwude Ijesa Festival and the Ijesa Unity Carnival, describing them as vital instruments for cultural preservation and unity among the Ijesa people.

Owa Ajimoko III gave his royal blessing during a consultative meeting with members of the Central Planning Committee for the festival in his palace on Wednesday,

During the session, the Committee Chairman, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, and Vice Chairman, Alagba Wale Idowu, presented a detailed outline of the festival’s programme, highlighting innovations introduced to make this year’s edition more vibrant and inclusive.

The monarch commended the committee for its commitment and vision, assuring them of his full cooperation and readiness to use his influence to bring together notable personalities, government officials, and traditional rulers from within and outside Osun State.

Also present at the meeting were members of the Owa-in-Council, including the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, HRM Oba (Engr.) Olufemi Agunsoye, and the Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, HRM Oba Omokehinde Oyebade, who both lauded the monarch’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the event.

The discussions also drew attention to the symbolic role of the Legbelegbes—cultural clusters representing various Ijesa communities—in adding colour and local flair to the festivities, especially as the 2025 edition marks Owa Haastrup’s first official participation in the festival since his coronation.

Other members of the Planning Committee in attendance included Mr. Akin Ajayi-Obe, Mr. Olubunmi Oladele, Prince Isaac Haastrup, Prince Benson Adegbola, Mr. Oladimeji Lasore, and Mrs. Bunmi Ogunniyi, who serves as Secretary.

According to the committee, the grand finale of the Iwude Ijesa Festival will hold on Saturday, December 20, 2025, while the Ijesa Unity Carnival—a convergence of Ijesa sons and daughters under the Legbelegbe platform—will take place the following day, Sunday, December 21, at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports Arena.