The Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Adebayo JP, OFR, the Arojojoye, has said that the third edition of the cultural fiesta will combine cultural celebration, historical preservation, entertainment and empowerment for Ijero people at home and in the diaspora
Addressing journalists ahead of the third edition of the festival at his palace in Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo said the event had grown from a gathering of Ijero descendants into a cultural platform capable of attracting traditional rulers, government officials and indigenes from different parts of the world.
The monarch therefore called on sons and daughters of Ijero at home and abroad to return to their ancestral home for the 2026 Itajero Festival, saying the celebration offers a platform to preserve the kingdom’s history, culture and unity.
Ajero traced the origin of Itajero to the historical relationship between Ijero and Ile-Ife, explaining that ancient Itajero served as a meeting point where descendants of Oduduwa gathered to deliberate and reach consensus.
Oba Adebayo disclosed that the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, had taken them to the original site in Ile-Ife, reinforcing the historical significance of the festival.
“Itajero is not just a name. It represents our history, our culture and the place where the sons and daughters of Oduduwa gathered to deliberate and take decisions. That is why we associate it with the beginning of democracy,” Ajero said.
The monarch disclosed that the modern festival followed a 2023 summit organised by Ijero descendants in Texas, where indigenous people from the United States, Canada, South America and Europe discussed how to strengthen their connection with their ancestral home. He said the first edition was held in August 2024, the second in August 2025, while this year’s event would mark the third edition.
He explained that the organisers placed Itajero within the traditional Ogun Festival because of Ogun’s importance to Yoruba history and civilisation. According to him, Ogun symbolises warfare, protection, farming and craftsmanship, while masquerades help preserve the memory of ancestors. He said Ijero has four masquerades and that the Ogun Festival runs for about 10 days, with Itajero fixed for August 21 and the Ogun celebration ending on August 22.
Oba Adebayo assured visitors of adequate security, saying relevant security agencies had been mobilised for the celebration. He disclosed that about 100 traditional rulers from across Yorubaland were expected, alongside the Ooni of Ife and prominent Ijero sons and daughters. He appealed to those who had been discouraged from returning home to come and celebrate their heritage. “Ijero is ready to receive its sons and daughters. They should come home without fear,” he said.
The monarch commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his interventions in Ijero, particularly the commissioning of a transformer and the upgrade of the College of Technology to a polytechnic. He appealed to BEDC to ensure that the transformer serves its purpose and also appreciated the state government for educational interventions in the community.
He also commended Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele for his contributions to roads, healthcare and the construction of modern market shops in the community, but expressed concern about the quality of some projects executed by contractors. He called for better monitoring and stronger community involvement whenever the government awards projects.
The High Chief and Secretary of the Itajero Festival Foundation, High Chief Ayo Afolabi, said the festival would feature activities from August 18 to 21, including the Miss Itajero pageant on August 19 at Adebome Hall, Shugudu Night on August 20 at Adibo Umi Hall and the grand finale on August 21 at Erekesen Market Square.
He said the final day would feature traditional rulers, government officials, clubs, associations, indigenes and guests, alongside the launch of the proposed festival pavilion.
Afolabi disclosed that the pavilion project had a fundraising target of N2 billion and urged individuals and organisations to contribute to its completion, saying the structure was expected to become one of the best cultural facilities in the Southwest.
He also announced that Femi Solar would headline the entertainment programme. “Whatever you contribute will go into the pavilion. We want it to become a landmark for Ijero,” he said.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Development and Investment Promotion, Barrister Lanre Ogunlare, described Itajero as one of the festivals gaining prominence in Yorubaland and pledged continued support for initiatives that promoted the development of Ijero.
The Secretary of the Ijero Youth Association, Pastor Akin Alufa, congratulated the monarch and called on youths to participate actively in the festival and community development.
Chief Yemisi Ayilara said women would also benefit from the festival through empowerment programmes and the Miss Itajero initiative.
She said the Obakeye of Ijero women’s group had continued to mobilise women and young people while encouraging indigenes born outside Ijero to maintain ties with their ancestral home. She added that a special empowerment programme for women and widows would hold during the festival season.
Oba Adebayo thanked the chiefs, committee members, youths, women and media for their contributions before declaring the festival open and praying for the safe arrival of participants.
“This is our heritage, our history and our common identity. Let our sons and daughters come home and celebrate with us,” the monarch said.
The organisers said the 2026 Itajero Festival would combine cultural celebration, historical preservation, entertainment, youth and women empowerment and community development.