OJUDE OBA IPERU 2024 AND ALAPERU'S CALL FOR UNITY AMONG IPERU INDIGENES

By: Tope OYEKAN

The 2024 Ojude Oba Celebration in Iperu Remo will remain indelible in the annals of such celebration in the ancient town.

The event which was held on Tuesday 18th June, 2024, was celebrated with lots of joy and excitement among the Iperu indigenes and residents alike. Iperu was filled to the brim as natives both within and outside Nigeria trooped home to celebrate an event that had always brought everyone together regardless of race, religious, social, or political background.

Commendation goes to the Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Adelekan IDOWU-BASIBO (Odoru V), FIEX, FICMC, and the Iperu Development Association under the able leadership of Chief Babajide OYETI, for resuscitating the most-talked about event which was in comatose for about thirty years. 

With the enthusiasm and joy boldly written on the faces of all Iperu indigenes, and as also reflected in the township ambience, it can be concluded that the revival of the age-long celebration was well-expected and greatly-applauded.

All praise and adoration goes to the almighty God who made the relaunch a reality, starting with the constitution of the 2024 OJUDE OBA IPERU PLANNING COMMITTEE by the Chief Babajide OYETI-led IDA, and followed by the inauguration of same by the Alaperu on Sunday, 3rd of September, 2023, and the subsequent formal unveiling of the 2024 celebration, by the Alaperu, on Sunday, 9th October, 2023.

Shortly after its inauguration, the committee led by Otunba Taiwo OYEBANJO, set the ball rolling and hit the ground running, as it goes out to deliver on the seemingly tasking assignment. A series of meeting were held between the committee and several stakeholders, aimed at organizing a fit-for-purpose, popular, and acceptable event for Iperu after a long wait, which had almost resulted into apathy on the part of the people, both indigenes and residents.

All the Royal fathers in Iperu Remo are equally commended for their initiative which birthed the idea of the Iperu Community Security Forum, and the subsequent launch of the security outfit prior to the Ojude Oba celebration.

The committee led by the Ebi of Idenaland, ensured the safety of lives and properties, before, during, and after the event, as its men were seen to be maintaining a visible presence in and around the town. This singular effort by the royal fathers effectively doused the fears in the minds of sons and daughters of Iperu who were initially afraid and very sceptical of coming home to celebrate due to palpable fear over insecurity of lives and properties, particularly on the case of thefts, robbery, kidnapping, and assassination that earlier occurred in the town.

Speaking at the morning prayer session held at his palace, the Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Adelekan IDOWU-BASIBO (Odoru V), FIEX, FICMC, commended the Iperu Development Association led by Chief Babajide OYETI, and the Ojude Oba Planning Committee under the leadership of Otunba Taiwo OYEBANJO, for their relentless efforts in reviving the celebration, as he enjoined all sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland, to live and co-exist happily in peace, regardless of race, religious, or political affiliation. 

The Ojude Oba Festival, according to the royal father was first celebrated in Iperu Remo in the year 1864, during the reign of Oba Odoru III, and is meant to celebrate and honour the king in his palace forecourt

He made a clarion call that each and every indigene of Iperu should always put the interest of the town on the front burner in their considerations.

This according to him will go a long way in bringing the expected developments to the town. He appealed to them to go back to the olden days when indigenes loved themselves and the town as well.

Describing Iperu as a very lucky town that is blessed with a lot of successful people spread all over the world, and who are making waves in their various chosen professions, Oba IDOWU-BASIBO thanked God for the exploits of the 15-year old Daniel AYODELE, a student of Christ Apostolic Grammar School, who built a prototype Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN, an illustrious daughter of Iperu, who is the first female to be appointed into that enviable position.

The royal father while thanking the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, CON, who is also an illustrious son and a worthy ambassador of Iperu, commended the giant strides made by his administration in the last five years, and in particular, wish to appreciate him on the construction of the Gateway Agro Cargo Airport, Iperu; the recently-commissioned Sagamu-Iperu-Sapade Road; the ongoing construction of the Aviation Village, Iperu; and the Award of the reconstruction of the Siun-Ajura-Ogere-Iperu-Ilisan Road.

"I am highly indebted to you and your administration, and on behalf of all the Royal Fathers and the entire indigenes and residents of Iperu Akesanland, i am saying a  big Thank You to Your Excellency.

And like an Oliver Twist, i wish to appeal to you to kindly consider giving a facelift to most, if not all our major township roads so as to be able to accommodate the expected traffic surge that will result from the socio-infrastructural development being witnessed in Iperu during your tenure.

Some of these roads that are presently in a deplorable state, and are almost becoming impassable, include Jalugba, Safetedo, Oba Ogunfowora, Ayegbami, Idarika, Agbala, Imaje, etc.", said the Alaperu

"I urge you to also assist us in the expansion of the palace ground to serve as the venue of subsequent Ojude Oba celebrations. The old NITEL building is hereby suggested for demolition  to pave the way for the proposed expansion and construction of a palace arcade. I crave Your Excellency's indulgence on this" Oba IDOWU-BASIBO further said.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman, 2024 Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Otunba Taiwo OYEBANJO, thanked the almighty God for the grace to celebrate the Ojude Oba festival once again.

He felicitates the Alaperu, Oba Adeleke IDOWU-BASIBO for his foresight and steadfastness at ensuring the success of the programme, and also expressed his immense gratitude to the Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman SALAMI; Onimeji of Imeji, Oba Kayode OLAYEBO OREMULE-SODA; Alagbehinsa of Agbehinsa, Oba Adekanmi OGUNNAIKE; and Alaregun of Iregun, Oba Adedoyin OGUNFOWORA; for their cooperation, support, and guidance.

He expressed his special appreciation to the members of the committee for their maximum cooperation, and their financial contribution, which was the major source of funding for the event.

He commended them for their immense contributions, both individually and collectively.

The Chairman expressed his immense gratitude to all members of the committee who worked selflessly both day and night, to ensure the success of the event. He thanked Alhaji Otunba Denny OLADIPUPO, the Vice Chairman; Alhaji Shittu Babatunde OMISANYA, Secretary; Alhaja Sariat Bola OGUNLAJA, Treasurer; Prince Babatunde ENILARI-SOLARIN, Director of Contacts and Mobilization (Diaspora), and Chairman, Fund-raising Sub-committee; and Prince Adedoyin ADESINA, Director of Contacts and Mobilization (Nigeria), and Chairman, Entertainment Sub-committee.

Other members of the committee who were appreciated by the Chairman are Tope OYEKAN, Director, Media and Publicity, and Chairman Media and Publicity Sub-committee; Alhaji Abiodun SOSINMI, Director of Welfare; Asoju Oba Adeshola ADEWUNMI; Prince Femi ABIOLA; and Alhaji Olagunju SOMOYE.

The list also includes Princess Olaide SOLARIN-ADEBOYE; Otunba Owolabi OGUNJIMI; Mrs. Kehinde FAYOMI-OSINOWO; and Hon. Tajudeen SALAKO

He thanked everyone who had contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the specially-arranged and well-coordinated event, especially the Iperu Muslim Community who presented a united front towards the event.

According to the Chairman, he was so glad and highly delighted that such selfless effort has reawakened a more collaborative effort on the part of the Iperu Muslim ummahs.

OYEBANJO also expressed gratitude to the Ojude Oba Legends (the awardees), and their families, and participating Clubs, Groups, and Associations

Similarly, he appreciated the role played by the Light Up Iperu Scheme through its street lighting project in Iperu, and the illumination of the Oja Ale road on the Ojude Oba day.

The members of the scheme led by its Chairman, Prince Wale OYEKOYA, were conspicuously seen at the venues dressed in colourful branded T-shirts and Face Caps in solidarity with the planning committee

He also tendered his apologies to everyone who might feel offended by the actions and inactions of the committee.

He admitted there were gaps and mistakes discovered during the event, but however took responsibility for any identified lapses and inadequacies, as according to him, it is not impossible that there will be issues at the first edition of a newly-resuscitated event that was last celebrated 30 years ago. 

Alhaji Moroof Idowu OGUNNUBI, the Chairman of the morning session in his opening remarks, appealed to the elders to be selfless in their approach and place the interest of Iperu above every other selfish considerations.

Speaking on behalf of the youth segment, he called on all the elders of the town to pray and also operate in unity and understanding so that Iperu can continue to develop, and that the youths can proudly emulate their good deeds 

The Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, on his part commended the  planning committee for reviving the age-long festival, and was hopeful that the 2025 Ojude Oba celebration shall be greater and more elaborate than the 2024 edition.

He enjoined everyone to pray for the peace and progress of Iperu, as well as the repose of the souls of the late Alhaji Kamoru KUTI, Alhaji Moibi SHITTU, Alhaji Fassy ADESINA, and Alhaji Kamoru SOWEMIMO, who had sometimes in the past powered the Ojude Oba Celebrations.

Chief Babajide OYETI, Chairman, Iperu Development Association, in his goodwill message, thanked God that everyone in Iperu, unanimously agreed that the event should hold, and gave a thumbs-up for the planning committee, for organizing the event successfully.

He commended Alhaji Otunba Denny OLADIPUPO, the Vice Chairman of the 2024 Ojude Oba Planning Committee, who some years back, suggested the idea of resuscitating the Ojude Oba Celebration to him.

Chief OYETI described the Ojude Oba Festival as the celebration of the town's rich socio-cultural heritage, which is meant to pay homage to the kings.

He appreciated the peaceful co-existence and the religious harmony that existed among the adherents of the three main religions, viz, Christianity, Islam, and Traditional, as he preached for more cooperation and understanding, believing that such will make subsequent editions, much more better. 

It will be recalled that the event has now transcended a particular religion, and is now embraced by the practitioners of the three main religions in Nigeria. This is evident in the presence of the muslim clerics and congregation; the Christian Association of Nigeria, Iperu Chapter, led by its Chairman, Evang. Ola VINCENT; and the traditionalists represented by the Oluwo of Iperu, High Chief Barr. Ifasola Saheed OPEODU, and the Olotu Erelu of Iperu, Chief (Mrs.) Aderonke IJALE

In his royal goodwill message, the Ebi of Idena, His Royal Highness, Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Adebambo SALAMI (Sebu II), who was accompanied to the event by his friend, the Aboro of Ibese, His Royal Highness, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi MULERO (Olokojobi III), was very excited that the Ojude Oba celebration came alive again, recalling his childhood memories when he usually accompanied his parents from Lagos to Iperu for the fanfare of the Ileya and Ojude Oba celebrations.

He gave his royal blessings and commended the planning committee for a great job. The monarch said regardless of any mix-up that may be noticed, that the committee deserves commendation, rather than condemnation, as he assured that the next edition shall be celebrated in a more elaborate fashion.

The Chairman of the Day, Alhaji Abdulganiyu MURITALA, in his remarks, acknowledged the  fact that Iperu has developed compared to what it used to be in the olden days, but he was of the opinion that there could be more development considering the number of influential and successful indigenes of the town who are doing well in their various professional callings.

He claimed that this growth is not commensurate with the number of quality people that Iperu is blessed with.

He called for unity and cooperation amongst the people, urging them to condemn any untoward thing that may be perpetrated against Iperu by anyone.

Alhaji MURITALA appealed to those who are in position of authority to endeavour to lift others up. He congratulated members of the planning committee, and advised them not to allow complacency to set in, but rather they should continue to take the festival to greater heights.

The major takeaway of the 2024 Ojude Oba Celebration came from the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN, who pledged to facilitate the construction of a stadium for Iperu. According to her, Iperu needs such an ambience to make the event more colourful, attractive, and sellable.

She therefore requested concerned authorities in the town to urgently provide a land for the same purpose.

Born and raised in Iperu, Dr. MADEIN also recalled the fond memory of Ojude Oba Celebrations with her late dad,  Alhaji Surakatu SANNI (Olowo Oloye), who was the Seriki Adeen of Iperu during his lifetime.

The 2024 Ojude Oba Iperu shall forever remain a reference point, judging by the positive feelers from the people, as well as the favourable feedback in the media space. 

The impact of performances by various indigenous musical artistes and the guest artiste, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi PASUMA, as well as the active collaboration by the Iperu Youth Development Association, cannot be over-emphasized, as these also go a long way in adding spice to the event.

It is expected that the planning committee for the 2025 edition shall leverage on the gains recorded in this first edition after the long hiatus, and also work on identified lapses towards making necessary modifications.

We are also trusting God that the unity fostered by the 2024 edition shall be sustained in the subsequent editions. 

As we look forward to a more robust celebration in 2025, sincere compliments and commendation goes to all indigenes, residents, and friends of Iperu, for the success of the Ojude Oba Festival, and people are urged to embrace the call by the Alaperu, and other stakeholders, for a united, peaceful, and progressive Iperu Akesanland, going forward.

Aseyi Samodun.

Akesan Agbe Wa oo.

Tope OYEKAN was the Director, Media and Publicity, 2024 Ojude Oba Iperu Planning Committee, and he writes via

topeoyekan40@gmail.com