The Odun Iyo Osu Day Festival, a commemoration of the unity and founding of Osu as a single geographical entity in the second half of the 19th century, was instituted by the late Olosu of Osu, Omolade Adeyokunnu. As a correspondent for KAKAKIOODUA Online Media, Oladimeji Lasore report on how this festival highlights salt as the symbol of the kingdom's unity.
Historically, Osu was a collection of independent homesteads and settlements that, due to their fragmentation, fell prey to invaders during the 19th-century Yorubaland wars. On the advice of the then Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, the leaders of these settlements merged to form a unified Osu. The nucleus of this unified community was a parcel of salt found under a branch of the Ogudu Tree — a pivotal moment that led to the birth of present-day Osu. The original settlements that united now form the important streets and quarters of the town.
It was in recognition of this unity that the late Olosu Omolade Adeyokunnu instituted the Odun Iyo Osu Day Festival. The first celebration took place in 1978, and it has become an annual event, serving as a rallying point for Osu indigenes to build their town and reclaim its rightful place among Ijeshaland's towns.
Salt, central to Osu's founding narrative, is the kingdom's "Symbol of Unity". I learned during the festival that the celebration is simple and transparent, devoid of fetish or pagan elements — no blood is shed, no libations are poured, and it does not contravene Christian or Islamic tenets. Salt symbolises purity; it is not an object of veneration but represents the essence of the community's unity.
The people of Osu regard the Odun Iyo Day as their "National Day", a proud reminder of their roots and origin. For them, salt defines the essence of their unity — a bond of togetherness forged in response to shared challenges, and a heritage not to be forgotten.
The weeklong festival unfolded with a diverse program of events. It began with a Jumat service on Friday 7th November, followed by Prayers in all churches in Osu on Sunday, 9th November. Other features included Akara day in all quarters, conferment of chieftaincy titles, inter-quarters football matches, free medical examination and a gala and dinner night that culminated in a grande finale of Saturday 15th November at the Atakumosa High School Playing Ground where Tommy Success musical band took the bandstand.
The event of the grande finale commenced with an opening prayer by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, setting an inclusive tone. This was followed by the introduction and recognition of dignitaries, after which the Deputy President and Chairman of the Odun Iyo 2025 committee delivered a welcome address, outlining the festival's significance.
Chief Makinwa Fasetire, Lemodu of Obara, welcomed attendees to the 47th edition of the Osu Day/Odun Iyo Anniversary, expressing joy and gratitude. He highlighted that the celebration, instituted in 1978, has grown from a modest family gathering to a major event showcasing Osu's heritage, unity, and development. He noted that the festival reflects Osu's values, history, and customs, and is crucial for passing traditions to younger generations. Chief Makinwa thanked royal fathers, elders, sponsors, partners, and the planning committee for their support, and guests for their presence. He urged participants to celebrate in peace and harmony, with a renewed commitment to community growth, wishing everyone a successful and memorable celebration.
Adding a lively and educational element, the Nigeria Police Children's School performed a parade display that captivated the audience before the Presidential Speech by the President of the Osu Community Development Council, who highlighted the community's vision and aspirations.
Prince (Dr) Kayode Adebusuyi Arimoro, the National President, welcomed attendees to the 2025 Odun Iyo Celebration with joy and gratitude, describing it as a festival showcasing Osu's heritage, values, and unity. He emphasized that Odun Iyo is a celebration of identity, honouring ancestors and rekindling community spirit, peace, and progress. He acknowledged the sacrifices of forebears and highlighted the community's focus on development, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of the Town Hall using last year's donations. Arimoro appealed for generous support from guests and community members for key projects: completing the Town Hall, finishing the Olosu Palace, upgrading transformers, and renovating the abandoned Government Technical College. He thanked contributors to the event's planning and execution, welcomed guests warmly, and urged participants to focus on the festival's core values of love, unity, respect, and progress. He formally opened the 2025 Odun Iyo Celebration, wishing peace, blessings, and prosperity for Osu.
The traditional segment featured the paying of homage to the Olosu of Osu by the quarters and their heads, reaffirming their loyalty and unity. In response, the Olosu of Osu blessed the indigenes and inhabitants, expressing appreciation for their commitment. A significant moment followed with the launching of a N100 million appeal fund aimed at furthering community development.
A major highlight of the events featured Recognition Awards to Osu Indigents wherein High Chief Reuben Olajide Fasetire, High Chief Joshua Oladipupo Ogunleye, Chief Obatayo Fasuyi, Chief M.I.T. Adenipekun, Barr. Folorunso Ogunjuyigbe, Prince (Sir) Adedire Adegoke Arimoro, Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, Elder Isaac Oluwagbemiga Ajetomobi, Dr. Abiodun Ogunbeku and Late Hon. Isaac Folorunso Farodoye were awarded.
The celebration thereafter continued with the symbolic distribution of salt, reinforcing the festival's theme of unity. The event concluded with a closing prayer by the Chief Imam of Osu Central Mosque, underscoring the festival's interfaith harmony and bringing the meaningful day to a peaceful end.
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In a chat with KAKAKIOODUA the Royal Father of the Day, HRM Oba Prof. Akinola A. Owosekun, Owosekun II, Asotun of Isokun asserted that the cultural awareness is going on very in Ijeshaland its dynamics notwithstanding as he appealed to Ijesa sons and daughters in the diaspora for participation and follow-ups.
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HRM Oba Jethro Adegoke Ademola, Aderintola II, the Olosu of Osu prays for OSU sons and daughters
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An Awardee, Chief Joseph Obadayo Fasuyi, the Salotun of Osu Kingdom and one time President of O.C.D.C appreciates and encourages upcoming Osu sons and daughters
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High Chief Mrs. Funmilayo V. Oterunbi, Yeye Odole of Osu Kingdom on the significance of Osu, Odun-Iyo day
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An attendee Otunba Jare Ayo Jare-Martins GM Unique FM 103.1
👇Hon. Dare Ajumobi aka Giri Ojo, Chairman Atakumosa West local government donates
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Dignitaries at the event included Chief Dr. Oluwatosin Ajidahun, Chief Launcher of the Day, Hon. Dare Ajumobi aka Giri Ojo, Chairman Atakumosa West local government, Barr. Femi Onigbogi and Hon. Olori Mary Agbadaoje who represented Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, Osun APC governorship aspirant amongst others
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All photos, video clips credit: Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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