Irete Community Set For 4th Coronation Anniversary

...Gov. Abiodun, Ijebu Monarchs, Others To Grace Occasion

The ancient town of Irete-Ijebu in Ogun State is abuzz with preparations for the 4th Coronation Anniversary of its monarch, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, scheduled for October 2nd–4th, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference in his palace on Friday, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu said the anniversary will not only showcase Irete’s rich cultural heritage but also highlight the community’s progress during his reign. He called on all indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate actively in the celebrations.

The three-day programme begins Thursday, October 2nd, with traditional rites and cultural activities, including the historic Gbedu Drum dance led by the Onirete himself. On Friday, October 3rd, a special Jummat service will hold at the Central Mosque, while the grand-finale on Saturday, October 4th, will feature the installation of high-profile chiefs, including the Otunba Jadiara of Irete, the Yeye Otunba Jadiara of Irete, and the Iyalode of Irete.

Dignitaries expected include traditional rulers from within and outside Nigeria, prominent honourary chiefs, political leaders, and guests such as Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and Ijebu royal fathers.

Oba Awokoya-Yesufu recounted key developmental strides achieved since his ascension, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, rehabilitation of the community’s electricity transformer, construction of Irete’s first modern market, and the grading and opening of roads to boost commerce and mobility. He also unveiled plans for a standard hospital, a community mini-hospital, and an ICT centre in partnership with the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Education.

The monarch expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for ongoing road and solar-lighting projects but appealed for additional government presence in the form of more primary and secondary schools, a full-scale hospital, and youth employment opportunities. He also commended Hon. Babatunde Diya, the local government chairman, for providing 20 solar lights to the community and promising more.

Reaffirming Irete’s independence, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu traced the town’s ancestry to Owa Otutubiosun, Dagburewe of Idowa in 1540, noting that Irete predates neighbouring Omu, which was settled in the 18th century.

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

Beyond infrastructure, the Onirete highlighted the palace’s support for indigenes through scholarships and tuition aid for students, employment opportunities for youths, and soft loans for women to boost small-scale businesses. He expressed optimism that the anniversary would be both historic and impactful and invited all sons and daughters of Irete worldwide to join the celebration.

The monarch also paid tribute to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the late Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya, crediting them for helping secure a coronet status for Irete.

Also speaking at the conference, the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape, reaffirmed the historic ties between the two towns and praised the Onirete’s infrastructural achievements. He urged communities to strengthen grassroots vigilance, noting that government cannot do it alone.

Otunba Dosumu Saheed, pioneer chairman of Anowoneyo ACDC, lauded the monarch’s efforts in security and community growth, highlighting that Irete now boasts 73 Community Development Associations, a remarkable rise from just two at the start of Oba Awokoya-Yesufu’s reign.