Oniru of Iru Kingdom Inaugurates Agbo Elegba in Cultural Revival

Published

6 months ago

April 13, 2026

Oniru Agbo Elegba Ejiwa Iru inauguration marks cultural revival as Lagos monarch restores sacred site ahead of annual festival celebrations

The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has inaugurated the rebuilt Agbo Elegba Ejiwa Iru in Lagos State, marking the formal commencement of this year’s Ejiwa Elegba Iru Festival.

Also read: Nwonyo Festival Returns After 14 Years Boosting Taraba Tourism

The ceremony, held in Iruland, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, and sons and daughters of the kingdom in a vibrant display of cultural unity.

Oba Lawal described the inauguration as both a restoration of cultural heritage and a reaffirmation of the spiritual identity of the Iru people and descendants of Olofin Atekoye.

He stressed the importance of preserving cultural institutions as pillars of identity, unity, and continuity within the community.

The monarch noted that the reconstructed Agbo Elegba structure represents the kingdom’s commitment to honouring ancestral heritage while embracing modern development with dignity.

He explained that Agbo Elegba is a sacred symbol of protection, guidance, and spiritual connection, describing its renewal as a reflection of deep cultural reverence in Iruland.

Oba Lawal called on stakeholders to uphold peace, respect, and unity, urging continued investment in the kingdom in line with his #LeGIT (Let’s Grow Iruland Together) vision.

The initiative, he said, is designed to promote collaboration, cultural preservation, and sustainable development across Lagos communities.

The inauguration also signals the start of the annual Ejiwa Elegba Iru Festival, a traditional celebration showcasing the history, spirituality, and cultural heritage of the Iru people.

The festival will feature traditional rites, cultural performances, and community engagements over several days, drawing indigenes, residents, and visitors together in celebration.

Also read: Nwonyo Festival Returns After 14 Years Boosting Taraba Tourism

The event is expected to strengthen cultural identity while reinforcing communal bonds across Iruland.

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OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”