It was a gathering of Who is Who in Ijesaland and a grand celebration of unity, culture, and community development, as prominent indigenes of the Ijesa Kingdom converged in London for the Iwude Thanksgiving Get-Together, organized by the Egbe Tobalase Adimula Ijesaland, UK Chapter.
Held at the prestigious Enish Restaurant, Coldharbour Lane, the event brought together notable Ijesa sons and daughters in the diaspora under one roof to reflect on their roots, foster stronger bonds, and renew their commitment to the development of Ijesaland.
In her keynote remarks, the Otun Iyalode Egbe Tobalase Adimula Ijesaland, Yeye Fikayo Toyin Abe, emphasized the need for genuine effort to chart a path for the collective growth and development of their homeland.
“Our purpose as Egbes is to unite and brainstorm on how to move Ijesaland forward. If anyone sees that as competition, so be it. What matters most is that we are working together to impact lives back home,” she stated.
Yeye Fikayo Toyin Abe further noted that the essence of the event was to foster deeper relationships among members, promote love and collaboration, and inspire developmental projects that will benefit the wider Ijesa community.
Also speaking at the event, Yeye Bola Lufadeju, Iyalode/Iya Egbe Bobasola Obinrin Adimula Ijesaland called for continued unity and cooperation among the different Egbes for the overall development of Ijesaland.
She urged everyone to remain focused and support one another, especially in preparation for the much-anticipated Iwude Ijesa Festival 2025.
President of Ijesa Union UK, and Otun Aare Bobakeye Adimula Ile Ijesa Omooba Sunday Adewusi, , in his remarks, said “Ijesaland and Ijesa people in London are proud of you. Your commitment, passion, and unity in the diaspora speak volumes. We are not just preserving our culture, we are building bridges of opportunity and development for future generations. Let us continue to harness our resources, our influence, and our ideas to uplift our land and empower our people.”
Prince Adewusi who is also the Baba Egbe Bobaseye Obinrin further urged all Egbe groups and stakeholders to remain steadfast in their dedication to Ijesa values and to always remember that unity is the strongest foundation for any meaningful progress.
The Iwude Thanksgiving Get-Together served as a prelude to the 2025 Iwude Ijesa Festival and also highlighted the critical role of diaspora Ijesa communities in cultural preservation and the socioeconomic development of Ijesaland.
All Egbe members also used the opportunity to say a big shout out a birthday greetings to one of their members Yeye Joy Coker.
The event featured traditional music, dance, bonding sessions, and discussions on planned community-based initiatives showcasing the unwavering spirit of unity and cultural pride among the Ijesa people in the UK.
Invitees included Yeye Bola Lufadeju, Iyalode/Iya Egbe Bobasola Obinrin Adimula of Ijesaland and Prince Sunday Adewusi, Otun Aare Bobakeye Adimula Ijesaland and Baba Egbe Bobaseye Obinrin Adimula.
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