His Royal Majesty, Oba Sunday Oyetunde Adepoju Ayilola III Gbadewolu I, the Oniro of Otu, in Itesiwaju Local Government has lauded the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to promoting the state’s cultural and traditional heritage.
The commendation was made during the 2025 Egungun Festival in Otu, an event that coincided with the governor’s recent endorsement of August 20th as Isese Day in the state.
The festival was a significant event for the ancient town, drawing notable figures including the Olonko of Babaode, Oba Olusegun Adeseun Olorode, palace chiefs, and a large number of Otu indigenes both from Nigeria and the diaspora.
The celebration was also marked by the special visit of the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who was on a “Thank You” visit to the Oniro’s palace.
Speaking at the event, Oba Adepoju emphasized that the Egungun festival symbolizes the freedom of religion enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He noted that the auspicious timing of the festival, marked by a notable change in the weather and the Deputy Governor’s visit, was a testament to the ancestors’ acknowledgment of the celebration.
The monarch described the Deputy Governor’s visit and the impressive turnout of indigenes as a “good omen” for the promotion of Otu’s culture and traditions. He urged all attendees, particularly the Egungun devotees, to celebrate the occasion peacefully.
In his congratulatory message, Oba Olusegun Adeseun Olorode, the Olonko of Babaode, expressed his appreciation to the Oniro of Otu and the entire community. He stressed the importance of separating religion and culture to prevent conflict within society, and he encouraged the people of Otu to see the festival as an opportunity for interaction and collective work toward community progress. He further urged the community to foster love and avoid division.
Chiefs of the Oniro of Otu, including the Bashorun of Otu, Chief Nihinlola Oyebanji; Odofo of Otu, Chief Salaudeen Adelabu; Baale Arinoye, Chief Jenfa Oyedokun Paul; Olukosi of Otu, Chief Azeez Ismail; and Aare Amuludun of Otu, Chief Ojelowo Taiwo Thomas, also extended their felicitations. They described the Egungun festival as an occasion for recreation, similar to sports, and as a unifying force for the three major religions. They reiterated that the festival serves to promote the culture and traditions passed down from their ancestors and fosters unity and love without religious sentiment. The chiefs also appealed to all Otu indigenes to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their homeland.
The 2025 Otu Egungun festival featured prominent masquerades such as Erigan, Obadimeji, Eyenfodo, and Ofenje, who captivated the audience with their unique acrobatic dances and displays of dexterity.
Among the notable attendees was Chief Sangodahunsi Ayooade, also known as Baba mo gba of Otu, who serves as the Secretary of the Isese Yoruba Foundation and Assistant Secretary of Ose meji of Ibadanland.
