Iwude Ijesa 2026: Planning Committee Chairman Commends Egbes, Flags Gaps in Participation and Coordination

The Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee, Mr. Afolabi Igbaroola, FCA, has commended clubs, societies and egbes across Ijesaland for the successful outing recorded during the recent Iwude Ijesa Annual Celebrations, while also highlighting key areas requiring improvement ahead of future editions.

In a statement issued on February 4, 2026, the chairman congratulated all participating groups for their support and cooperation, noting that their collective efforts contributed significantly to the overall success of the festival. He also conveyed warm greetings to stakeholders from His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

However, Mr. Igbaroola drew attention to several observations made during the celebrations. According to him, many societies did not fully participate in all activities lined up for the festival, including cultural events such as the Ayo competition, cultural displays and the beauty pageant. He cited the beauty pageant as an example where the Owa Obokun Adimula, the Olórìs, royal fathers and prominent Ijesa leaders were present for several hours, but turnout from Iwude Ijesa member groups was notably low.

“The emphasis of most egbes appeared to be largely on the Sunday carnival, with little attention paid to other important cultural and social activities that define the essence of Iwude Ijesa,” he said, stressing that all groups are expected to attend and actively participate in every programme of the annual celebration.

The chairman also expressed concern that some egbes carried out empowerment programmes without notifying or involving the Iwude Ijesa Secretariat. This, he noted, denied the secretariat the opportunity to properly document such initiatives, which would have earned the groups due recognition and helped the planning committee compile a comprehensive report for submission to the palace.

He further observed that certain activities organised by egbes clashed with officially scheduled Iwude Ijesa programmes, thereby undermining coordinated planning. He urged all groups to automatically key into the activities outlined by the central planning committee to ensure a seamless and successful celebration.

Mr. Igbaroola also raised issues regarding the effectiveness of the Logistics Committee, which he described as the bridge between the planning committee and the various societies. He lamented that decisions reached at logistics meetings were sometimes opposed on public platforms, suggesting poor communication between representatives and their respective egbes. Members of the committee, he said, are expected to faithfully represent their groups and relay decisions accurately.

In addition, the chairman noted that several egbes currently lack representation on the Logistics Committee. He called on such groups to immediately nominate two representatives each and submit their names to the Administrative Secretary, adding that at least one representative per group should be based in Ilesa, Ile-Ife or Osogbo to ensure regular meeting attendance.

The message, he said, was conveyed on the directive of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi and Ajirowa Lateef Bakare, underscoring the importance of unity, coordination and purpose among all egbes as vehicles for the social, cultural and economic development of Ijesaland.

Mr. Igbaroola concluded by appreciating all stakeholders for their love, support and cooperation, while praying for continued progress and divine guidance for Ijesaland.