The Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, Oba AbdulGaniu Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, has reaffirmed that the maiden edition of the Irete Owo Ila Festival will attract investors and cultural enthusiasts from both within and outside Nigeria.

Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the much-anticipated festival, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu emphasized the cultural and economic significance of the event, describing it as a strategic platform to showcase the rich heritage, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Irete people.

“This festival is more than a cultural celebration,” the monarch stated.

 “Let me tell you, this town is known for planting okro—ila. It has been the source of livelihood for our forefathers. The Irete Owo Ila Festival presents a unique opportunity to open up our community to the world and create avenues for investment in agriculture, tourism, and local enterprise.”

Reflecting on the town’s history, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu recited the town’s praise poetry:

"Irete Owo-Ila, omo afi ila daso, omo afi ila kole, omo afi ila se oun rere." Kabiyesi said

He explained that Irete-Ijebu is one of the towns under the Awujale of Ijebuland. The founder of the town, one of Jadiara’s daughters, was a successful okro trader, which led to the nickname “Omo Irete Owola (Owo-Ila)” — meaning "children of Irete, the wealth of okro."

Jadiara, he added, was a king who held two crowns — the Dagurewe crown before migrating to Ijebu-Ode to become the Awujale.

The monarch also commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his strides in infrastructure and development across the state. 

The monarch appealed for further developmental projects in Irete, saying, “Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Arowoneyo Area Community Development Committee and the Planning Committee Chairman for the festival, Otunba Saheed Dosunmu, revealed that various activities have been lined up for the celebration. 

He announced that the grand finale of the festival will take place on April 20, 2025, with notable dignitaries from across the country expected in attendance.

This news platform reports that the festival commenced with a marathon race, proudly sponsored by the Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye.

In the male category, Ogunyemi Damilare emerged first, followed by Faniyi Remilekun and Abiola Salimot in second and third place, respectively.

In the female category, Balogun Ranti clinched first place, while Ogunfuwa Abibat and Adebanjo Aminat came second and third, respectively.