Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State — The ancient city of Ijebu-Ode came alive on Sunday as celebrities, dignitaries, and culture enthusiasts converged for the Ijebu Rewa Cultural Festival, a colourful annual celebration of Ijebu heritage and creativity held at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, Itoro.
The event, known for blending entertainment with tradition, showcased the depth of Ijebu culture through performances, games, and recognition of outstanding artisans who continue to uphold local craftsmanship and community values.
Among the high-profile attendees were Basorun (Dr.) Femi Branch, President of the Ijebu Pride Network; Mrs. Toyosi Adesanya, the Network’s Secretary; and Atinuke Kazeem, widely known in Nollywood as Mama No Network.
Also present were several community leaders and media figures, including Alhaji Adesola Adetoyese, Baakini of Yorubaland; Barrister Wale Banjo (Omo Ijebu Atata); Adedeji Sunmola (Ebiti); Olusegun Ajayi (Alaseye Oodua); Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, Chairman of NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel; Hon. Olakunle Balogun, Head of Station, Eagle FM; Alaga Geseem; OmoAkin (FineBoy Presenter); Tife Alara; Agbara Oro; Ayinke Chanter; and Adunni Chanter.
Their presence underscored the festival’s growing influence as a rallying point for cultural pride and entertainment excellence in the South-West.
The festival featured a variety of engaging activities for all ages. Adults participated in classic games such as snooker, table tennis, scrabble, chess, ludo, and the traditional ‘ayo olopon’, while children enjoyed bouncy castles, swimming pools, and other fun activities in a dedicated play zone.
The cultural performances were the heart of the celebration — an electrifying display of rhythm, colour, and tradition.
The lineup included Agemo, Egun Arowodade, Egun Aladeigbo, Eyo, Esu, Igunnuko, Bata Dance, Rubber Body, Traditional Dance, and Agere performances, each reflecting the spiritual and artistic essence of Ijebu ancestry.
In a gesture of appreciation and empowerment, 19 outstanding artisans and vendors were honoured for their dedication to cultural preservation and community development.
Each awardee received recognition plaques and landed property gifts, reinforcing the festival’s vision of uplifting local talent and encouraging entrepreneurship within Ijebu land.
Speaking at the event, Prince Sijuade, the convener of the Ijebu Rewa Cultural Festival, expressed heartfelt appreciation to participants, guests, and sponsors for their unwavering support.
He emphasized that the Ijebu Rewa Games Hangout & Cultural Festival is not merely an entertainment event but a movement for community bonding, youth engagement, and cultural preservation.
“This year’s festival shows what unity, creativity, and pride in our heritage can achieve,” he said. “Ijebu Rewa is about celebrating who we are while building a stronger, more connected community.”
Prince Sijuade also assured that next year’s edition will be “even bigger and more inspiring,” promising continued efforts to promote culture-driven development in the Ijebu region.
Attendance by top Nollywood stars and media personalities, Traditional performances showcasing Ijebu artistry and spirituality, Games and fun activities for children and adults, Recognition and empowerment of 19 exceptional artisans renewed the call for cultural unity and youth development across Ijebu land.
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