The 2025 edition of the Agidanyin Festival / Erinmo-Ijesa Founders’ Day celebration, themed “Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Unity for Community Growth,” has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of community spirit.
The presence of Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a monarch renowned for his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ijesaland, had glamour and royalty to the festival. As a king who wears his heritage on his sleeve, Owa Adesuyi Haastrup flanked by Olori Victoria, led a delegation of Ilesa high chiefs to the event, a boost to the festival and further solidifying the bond between the different royal fathers in Ijesaland.
The festival, which took place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Elerinmo's Palace Foyer, was a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of Erinmo-Ijesa land. The high-powered delegation, comprising prominent chiefs from Ilesa, was warmly received by HRM Oba (Dr.) Michael Adeyobiojo Odunayo Adeagbo AJAYI, Arowotawaya II Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom. The Owa's presence was a significant boost to the festival, which featured a range of activities, including a keynote lecture, cultural displays, and empowerment programmes.
On entering Erinmo-Ijesa, a town in festive mood, KAKAKIOODUA had an encounter with the Edinmo Masquerade and his devotees who were on their way to pay homage to the Elerinmo at his country home. Some of the youthful attendants, carried long canes, using them to hysterically whip themselves as part of the ritual, but also a display of strength, endurance, and spiritual protection. Meanwhile, other attendants perform, dance, and sing in accompaniment to the masquerade, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The infectious music and dance, drew in spectators and adding to the excitement of the event, as well as showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Erinmo-Ijesa people.
The festival kicked off with an impressive entry procession by Elerinmo, led by the trumpeters of Ooni of Ife and the Youth Flag bearers of Elerinmo palace.
HRM Oba (Dr.) Michael Adeyobiojo Odunayo Adeagbo AJAYI, Arowotawaya II appeared in a resplendent attire, adorned with intricate beadwork. The face-covered, white crown carefully crafted and arranged with beads to create stunning patterns and designs, not only aesthetically pleasing but also conveyed the Arowotawaya II's status and authority.
Oba Arowotawaya flanked by Olori Adedolapo Ajayi wielded the horse tail, to salute and honor his subjects, dignitaries and guests
In his welcome address, High Chief Taiwo Agbonmagbe, the Chairman, Planning Committee, remarked that the Agidanyin festival is a traditional festival celebrated annually to remember the great progenitor of Erinmo who was Agidanyin the son of Obalufon Alayemore.
"Agidanyin as a great fearless warrior who participated active by in several wars especially the numerous inter-tribal wars at that time." He said
Followed by paying of homages by chiefs in different categories; Ona Elegbe, Yeye, Oloye Lebedo, Oloye Ejinmo, Egbe Oba, Baale Araromi and Chiefs, Edeju, Alakoso, Loriomo, Omo Oba, Majeobaje, Ode hunters, all men and all women.
Cultural display by Osun State Cultural Troupe and comedians.
Edinmo masquerade made its way through the crowd, children and women ran, adding to the dramatic and dynamic nature of the festival, a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Erinmo-Ijesa people, showcasing their vibrant music, dance, and masquerade traditions.
There was also a keynote lecture by renowned Prince Odunlade Ademola of Lorimode Obalufon Dynasty who delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The lecture was well-received by the audience.
This was followed by a special Iwure Odun (Spiritual Prayer) was offered by esteemed cultural ambassador, Hon. Alderman Erelu Tunwase Lola Ajiun Ayonrinde (UK), invoking divine blessings, unity, and prosperity upon Erinmo land and its people.
The 2nd edition of the Miss Erinmo Beauty Pageant was another highlight of the festival, showcasing the beauty, talent, and intelligence of young spinners (Omidan) from Erinmo. The pageant was crowned by Olori Victoria Haastrup.
The highpoint of the event was the congratulatory speech by the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Adesuyi Haastrup who appreciated the peace and tranquility the Erinmo-Ijesa people are enjoying.
Owa Haastrup also pointed to the significance of the Erinmo-Ijesa Prayer Hill that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in Ijesaland Osun State and Nigeria as he informed the gathering that he had once visited the hill while seeking solutions to his personal life's challenges. The monarch later donated N1m to the development of Erinmo-Ijesa.
The festival also featured an Empowerment Programme for Widows, the Physically Challenged, Aged, Youth, and Women, which provided support and empowerment to vulnerable groups in the community.
The winner of the Inter-Street Soccer Competition received the trophy.
The festival was graced by the presence of Dr. Michael Oyerinde S. A Primary Health Care who represented Osun State governor HE Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Barr. Dosu Babatunde, Odun Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ajirowa Lateef Bakare, major traditional rulers including the Alua of Erinoke, , Oba Imran Akin Akintola Ayodeji, Akinla of Erin-Ijesa is Oba Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni, Oba Aringbajo, Igbajo, Erinmo-Ijesa Oba Ademuyiwa Adedeji Areola.
Others were, Obanla of Ilesa, Arapate of Ilesa, Lejoka of Ilesa, Arise (Yeyerise) of Ilesa and Yeyesogba, Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa Oluremi Oyeyemi, Sooko Adimula Obalufon Ife, Chief Adeyokun Taiwo, Alhja Animasahun Titilayo, Prince Peter Bamigbade, Olori Taiwo Olu Agada Ife Kingdom, Osun State Ministry Culture and Tourism team, veteran artist, Sókóti, Adewale Abdulrasheed, National Youth Council entourage, to mention just a few.
In his closing remarks, HRM Oba (Dr.) Michael Adeyobiojo Odunayo Adeagbo AJAYI, JPil, FIADRN, FICMN, FIIM, Arowotawaya II Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesa Kingdom, expressed his gratitude to all who participated in and supported the festival. He noted that the festival had achieved its objectives of promoting community unity, preserving cultural heritage, and inspiring growth and development in Erinmo land.
The Agidanyin Festival / Erinmo Founders’ Day 2025 was indeed a celebration to remember, and we look forward to next year's edition.
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