The countdown to the 2026 edition of Iwude Ijesa has officially begun, with the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, challenging the planning committee to surpass the impressive standard set by the previous edition.
The Owa gave the charge during an interactive session with members of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee on Friday evening, September 25, 2026, at the Owa Obokun Adimula Palace in Ilesa.
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Speaking warmly to members of the committee, Owa Haastrup expressed appreciation for their dedication and the manner in which they had projected the image of Ijesaland through the previous Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival.
He said the last edition was so impressive that he had initially considered reconstituting the planning committee, but changed his mind after witnessing the outcome.
According to him, replacing the team after such a successful outing would amount to “planning to drop a winning horse.”
The monarch also compared the growing profile of Iwude Ijesa with the widely celebrated Ojude Oba festival, noting that although he had never physically attended the Ijebu people's celebration, he had watched it several times on television and was confident that Ijesaland could produce an equally impressive, if not more compelling, cultural showcase.
He therefore urged the committee to build on the achievements of the previous edition and deliver an even more remarkable Iwude Ijesa 2026.
Owa Haastrup further announced a new approach to the planning process, revealing that the committee would be restructured to enable members inspect projects being executed by the various Legbelegbe societies.
He said he intended to personally visit and commission the best of the projects, thereby encouraging the societies to make meaningful contributions to the development and beautification of Ijesaland.
The interactive session, coordinated by Ajirowa Lateef Bakare, was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, with the monarch freely engaging and joking with members of the committee.
The committee was led by Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, alongside Chief Mrs Yemisi Ariyibi, Mr Bunmi Oladele, Erelu Olajumoke Olafadehan, Prince Adegbola Benson, Chief Soji Fasipe, Prince Isaac Haastrup, Mr Oladimeji Lasore and Mrs Bunmi Ogunniyi.
During the meeting, the proposed programme of activities for the 2026 celebration was presented to the Owa for consideration and approval.
The planned activities include Jumat Service, Church Service, Cultural Day, Miss Ijesa Competition, Ayo Olopon Competition and Pounded Yam (Iyan) Eating Competition, among other cultural and social activities.
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Iwude Ijesa 2026: The Countdown Begins
The 2026:celebration is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20, 2026, bringing together Ijesa sons and daughters from across Ijesaland, Nigeria and the diaspora.
The traditional and statutory Iwude Ijesa celebration will take centre stage on Saturday, December 19, while the celebration continues on Sunday, December 20, with the rebranded Iwude Ijesa Unity Carnival at the Sports Arena of Ilesa Grammar School.
The carnival is expected to provide another major platform for celebrating the richness, beauty and uniqueness of Ijesa culture and identity.
For KAKAKIOODUA Online Media, which is gearing up for extensive engagement around the event, Iwude Ijesa represents more than a festival.
It is an opportunity for Ijesa people at home and abroad to return, reconnect, celebrate their heritage, welcome visitors, renew friendships and strengthen the bonds of unity that define Ijesaland.
The message for the 2026 edition is clear:
IJESA UNITY.
IJESA CULTURE.
IJESA PRIDE.
IJESA TOGETHERNESS.
At a time when political, social and personal differences may sometimes divide people, the celebration offers an opportunity for Ijesa sons and daughters to put their differences aside and embrace one another as brothers and sisters.
As preparations gather momentum, KAKAKIOODUA Online Media will roll out sensitisation, exclusive updates, stories, personalities, programmes and activities surrounding the celebration, keeping Ijesa people at home and in the diaspora connected to the excitement.
Coverage, script ✍️ camera 📸 CREDIT OLADIMEJI LASORE (+2347035105413, [email protected])
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