The Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, has brought royal glamour and remarkable traditional significance to the 2026 Agidanyin Founder's Day Festival by attracting some of the most prominent first-class Yoruba traditional rulers to the historic town of Erinmo-Ijesa. The gathering of eminent royal fathers, led by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, added colour and prestige to the celebration of Erinmo-Ijesa's 926 years of royal heritage, culture and ancestral pride.
The historic town of Erinmo-Ijesa, in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, came alive on Saturday, November 7, 2026, as royal fathers, traditional rulers, cultural leaders and distinguished guests gathered at the Elerinmo's Palace for the 2026 Agidanyin Founder's Day Festival.
The colourful celebration, which marked 926 years of royal heritage, culture and ancestral pride, honoured the legacy of Ooni Obalufon Alayemore-Lorimode Obalufon, the revered ancestor associated with the founding history of Erinmo-Ijesa.
The festival was hosted by the Grand Royal Host, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, while His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, served as the Grand Royal Father of the Day.
Other royal fathers in attendance included His Royal Majesty, Oba Olayinka Ishola Jokotola, Jokotola II, the Olojudo of Ido-Osun (Olojudo-Alayemore); His Royal Majesty, Oba Yusuf Kolawole Omoloye, Oyagbodun II, the Elerin of Erin-Osun; His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye, Adetona I, the Elerin of Erin-Ile; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Ipadeola Ilufemiloye, Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun and Aremo Obatala of the Universe.
One of the major highlights of the festival was the grand all-white arrival procession of the Elerinmo, accompanied by a fanfare trumpet procession led by trumpeters from the Ooni of Ife's Ojaja entourage.
The programme opened with prayers led by Christian and Muslim religious leaders, followed by the rendition of the Erinmo Anthem by pupils of St. Peter's School. Members of the Elerinmo-in-Council also performed the traditional obeisance to the royal stool.
The Master of Ceremonies, High Chief Taiwo Agbonmogbe, introduced the royal fathers, dignitaries and other invited guests, while Barrister Nathaniel Agunbiade delivered the welcome address.
The celebration featured rich cultural displays, Ewi recitations, royal Oriki and traditional performances that reflected the history and cultural identity of Erinmo-Ijesa.
The Miss Erinmo Beauty Pageant 2026 added glamour and excitement to the occasion, with contestants participating in two runway presentations before the eventual crowning of Miss Erinmo 2026. Miss Odeleye Oluyemisi Eniola was crowned Miss Erinmo 2026
Another significant part of the festival was the traditional homage to the royal stool, followed by a special goodwill message from the Grand Royal Father of the Day, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The spiritual and traditional dimension of the celebration was further highlighted by the presence of Chief Ifáyẹmi Osundagbonu Elebuibon, Araba of Osogbo Land, who was invited to lead the annual Iwure Odun. The traditional prayer session sought peace, unity, prosperity and continued blessings for Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom and its people.
VIDEO: Click 👆 on the image to watch Chief Ifáyẹmi Elebuibon, Araba of Osogbo Land leading the annual Iwure Odun
The Agidanyin traditional rites and pronouncement of royal blessings also formed part of the programme, reinforcing the festival's connection with the town's ancestral traditions.
A major attraction was the unveiling of AGADAGIDI, described by the organisers as the ancient herbal drink associated with Ooni Obalufon Alayemore-Lorimode Obalufon. The occasion also featured the presentation of Arowotawaya Royal Awards to deserving recipients.
Other activities listed for the celebration included an empowerment programme and distribution of palliatives, goodwill messages from the Olubadan and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, musical and comedy performances, royal dancing, entertainment of guests and the traditional Agidanyin Meat Feast.
The 2026 edition of the festival provided another opportunity for Erinmo-Ijesa to showcase its royal history, preserve its ancestral heritage and promote the cultural values passed down through generations.
As part of the highlights of the 2026 Agidanyin Founder's Day Festival, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya I, presented special Arowotawaya Royal Awards to deserving individuals in recognition of their contributions to youth development, community service, grassroots development and the progress of Erinmo Kingdom.
Among the award recipients were Combade Akinbode Olakolupo, who received the Youth Leadership Advancement Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to youth development and consistent efforts towards empowering young people and contributing to community development in Erinmo and Osun State.
Hon. 'Segun Arowosafe was honoured with the Grassroots Development Royal Award for his dedication to grassroots representation, community service and contributions to the development of Erinmo Kingdom.
Also recognised was Adebayo Orimogunje, who received the Community Service Royal Award for his distinguished service and contributions to maintaining orderliness at the Elerinmo's Palace.
High Chief Taiwo Agbonmagbe was equally honoured for his service and enduring contributions to the progress of Erinmo Kingdom.
The awards formed part of the festival's recognition of individuals whose commitment, service and contributions have continued to support the development of Erinmo-Ijesa and its people.
With the gathering of royal fathers from different traditional domains, the celebration also highlighted the importance of cultural relationships, unity and cooperation among traditional institutions.
Report and photographs: By Oladimeji Lasore, KAKAKIOODUA Online Media.
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