The ancient town of Irete-Ijebu in Ogun State is set to host a grand celebration marking the 4th Coronation Anniversary of its monarch, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, from October 2nd to 4th, 2025.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, alongside Ijebu monarchs and other dignitaries, is expected to grace the historic occasion, which promises to showcase Irete’s rich cultural heritage and highlight strides recorded under the Onirete’s reign.
At a press conference in his palace on Friday, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu said the anniversary would serve both as a celebration of tradition and a reflection of the town’s development. He urged indigenes at home and abroad to join the festivities.
The three-day programme kicks off on Thursday, October 2nd, with traditional rites and the iconic Gbedu Drum dance. Friday, October 3rd, will feature a special Jummat service at the Central Mosque, while the grand finale on Saturday, October 4th, will witness the installation of new high-profile chiefs, including the Otunba Jadiara of Irete, the Yeye Otunba Jadiara of Irete, and the Iyalode of Irete.
In recounting progress since his ascension, the Onirete highlighted the installation of solar-powered streetlights, rehabilitation of the town’s transformer, construction of Irete’s first modern market, and the grading of roads to boost commerce. He unveiled plans for a standard hospital, a mini-hospital, and an ICT centre in partnership with the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Education.
While commending Governor Abiodun for ongoing state projects in Irete, the monarch appealed for more government presence in schools, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He also praised Hon. Babatunde Diya, the local government chairman, for donating 20 solar lights to the community.
Tracing Irete’s ancestry to Owa Otutubiosun, Dagburewe of Idowa in 1540, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu reaffirmed the town’s independence, stating: “Irete is the home of the original Ijebus. We share ties with Omu and Odojobore, but Irete stands distinct and has always been independent.”
He further noted palace-backed initiatives such as scholarships, tuition aid, youth employment support, and soft loans for women to boost small-scale businesses.
The Onirete paid glowing tributes to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the late Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya, crediting them for helping secure Irete’s coronet status.
Also present at the briefing, the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape, praised the Onirete’s achievements and urged communities to support government efforts in security and development.
Otunba Dosumu Saheed, pioneer chairman of Anowoneyo ACDC, equally lauded the monarch’s efforts, noting that Irete now boasts 73 Community Development Associations—up from just two at the start of Oba Awokoya-Yesufu’s reign.
