The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged traditional rulers across Yorubaland and Nigeria to promote unity, love and mutual understanding to strengthen the traditional institution and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
Ladoja made the call at the 2026 Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival in Erinmo-Ijesa, Osun State, where he attended as the Grand Royal Father of the Day and Special Guest of Honour.
The monarch reminded traditional rulers of their responsibility as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, urging them to work towards preserving the people’s cultural values and preventing them from going into extinction.
He also lauded the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, for what he described as remarkable achievements within the short period of his reign.
Ladoja urged other traditional rulers to emulate the Elerinmo’s efforts and replicate his achievements in their respective communities.
Earlier, Oba Ajayi said this year’s festival featured activities reflecting the richness of Erinmo’s cultural heritage.
These included the traditional meat feast, annual Iwure led by the Araba and Baba Elebubon, royal prayers, Arowotawaya Recognition Awards, traditional homage and cultural displays.
Tracing the history of Erinmo-Ijesa, the Elerinmo said the community’s ancestry was linked to Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, who was traditionally associated with its founding around 110 AD.
He described Agidanyin as the warrior son of Obalufon Alayemore and the first king of Erinmo, saying the festival occupied a significant place in the community’s ancestral history.
According to him, the festival should be recognised as a cultural asset with enormous potential for tourism, economic development, employment generation and international cultural heritage.
The monarch appealed to the Federal Government and Osun State Government to support efforts to secure UNESCO cultural heritage recognition for the Agidanyin Festival.
He also called for constitutional recognition and clearly defined roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria.
Oba Ajayi said his vision was to build an Erinmo where cultural heritage would be preserved, young people empowered, children given access to quality education and residents provided with economic opportunities, while traditional values continued to command respect.
He expressed appreciation to Ladoja, the Owa Obokun, who served as the Grand Royal Host, and other traditional rulers, community leaders, captains of industry, and sons and daughters of Erinmo-Ijesa who attended the celebration.
Other dignitaries included Hon. Nathaniel Agunbiade, the Elerin of Erin-Osun and the Olojudo of Ido-Oko, among other traditional rulers.
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