Community Gears Up for Onirete’s 4th Coronation Anniversary, Gov. Abiodun, Monarchs, Dignitaries to Attend Grand Celebration

The ancient town of Irete Ijebu in Ogun State is set to host the 4th Coronation Anniversary of its monarch, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, from October 2nd to 4th, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference in his palace on Friday, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu described the forthcoming celebration as both a showcase of Irete’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to the community’s progress under his reign. He called on all indigenes, both home and abroad, to join hands in making the anniversary historic.

The three-day festivities will open on Thursday, October 2nd, with traditional rites and cultural displays, featuring the historic Gbedu Drum dance led by the monarch. A special Jummat service will follow on Friday, October 3rd, while the grand finale on Saturday, October 4th, will include the installation of new chiefs—the Otunba Jadiara of Irete, the Yeye Otunba Jadiara of Irete, and the Iyalode of Irete.

Among the dignitaries expected are Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ijebu royal fathers, political leaders, and prominent honorary chiefs from across Nigeria and beyond.

Highlighting his achievements since ascending the throne, the Onirete noted the installation of solar-powered streetlights, rehabilitation of the town’s electricity transformer, construction of the first modern market, and opening of access roads to enhance commerce. He also unveiled plans for a modern hospital, a community mini-hospital, and an ICT centre in collaboration with the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Education.

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The monarch expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for ongoing roadworks and solar-lighting projects while appealing for more schools, healthcare facilities, and youth empowerment initiatives. He equally commended Hon. Babatunde Diya, the local government chairman, for donating 20 solar lights to the community.

Reaffirming Irete’s historic independence, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu traced the town’s ancestry to Owa Otutubiosun, the Dagburewe of Idowa in 1540, stressing that Irete predates neighbouring Omu. He said:

“Irete is the home of the original Ijebus. We share ties with Omu and Odojobore, but Irete stands distinct and has always been independent.”

Beyond infrastructure, the palace has supported indigenes through scholarships, youth employment, and soft loans for women entrepreneurs.

The monarch also paid glowing tribute to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the late Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya, for their roles in securing a coronet status for Irete.

In solidarity, the current Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape, praised the Onirete’s achievements and urged stronger grassroots vigilance to complement government efforts.

Also speaking, Otunba Dosumu Saheed, pioneer chairman of Anowoneyo ACDC, lauded the monarch’s strides in community development and security, noting that Irete now boasts 73 Community Development Associations—an impressive growth from just two at the start of Oba Awokoya-Yesufu’s reign.

The Onirete assured that the 4th Coronation Anniversary would not only celebrate tradition but also strengthen unity and chart a greater future for Irete.

— Reported by NUJ, Ogun-East Independent Chapel