Oke Ariko Celebrates Installation of Oba Oladunni Olayinka Ifagbemi with Cultural Festivities and Staff of Office Presentation.

Oke Ariko Celebrates Installation of Oba Oladunni Olayinka Ifagbemi with Cultural Festivities and Staff of Office Presentation.

The royal family of Adegbite in Oke Ariko, Sagamu, Ogun State, marked a momentous occasion on Friday, August 14, 2026, with a grand celebration that included the presentation of the staff of office to His Royal Highness Oba (Dr.) Oladunni Olayinka Ifagbemi, the newly crowned Oloke of Oke Ariko. The event also coincided with the birthday celebration of the Oba and his Olori, Gbadewolu, popularly known as Orukotan 1.

The celebration commenced around 10 a.m. at the Oke Ariko palace, beginning with sacred rituals performed within the palace premises. The rituals, conducted by the Onigbedu, involved prayers for the prosperity of the king, the kingdom, and its people. These prayers invoked divine blessings for peace, unity, and progress. After the prayers, the Onigbedu beat their drums, producing melodious sounds that echoed throughout the palace, signifying the spiritual endorsement of the new monarch’s reign.

Following the sacred rites, a colorful procession was organized, leading from the palace to the new land designated for the palace expansion. The event attracted notable dignitaries, community leaders, friends, and family members. The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was officially recognized as an important guest; although he was absent, he sent a representative, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjiye Hamzat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to participate on his behalf. Other distinguished guests included traditional rulers from various parts of Ogun State, such as Oba Olusegun Adedapo Ogunsola of Batoro Kingdom, Oba Nureni Oduwayea of Onifojege, Oba Adesola Sikiru of Legunse, Oba Mohood of Oniraye, Oba J.O. Odumade of Onilaye, and several others. These respected monarchs and their queens, adorned in traditional attire, added grandeur to the occasion.

The event was further enlivened by cultural performances from the Gunuko people, who showcased their traditional dances and heritage. The G Melody Band also performed melodious tunes, while Gbedu drummers enthralled the audience with their rhythmic beats. Traditional dancers in vibrant costumes added color and life to the celebration. Other notable groups, including the Ile Batoro women and the Immaculate Sisters, also participated, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the community.

In addition to the cultural displays, the event celebrated the birthday of Olori Atinuke Oladunni. A cake-cutting ceremony was held, with the Olori and other guests joining in the festivities.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the staff of office. The event opened with an opening prayer by High Chief Ogunyemi Tijani Adesina, seeking divine blessing for the occasion. This was followed by the national and Ogun State anthems, sung passionately by all attendees. The Chairman of the occasion, alongside the representative of the Ogun State Governor, delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of the staff of office and the responsibilities of the new monarch.

Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat formally presented the staff to Oba Dr. Oladunni Olayinka Ifagbemi, who received it with gratitude and humility. The Oba then addressed the gathering, expressing profound appreciation to the government, traditional rulers, friends, and family. He pledged to serve his people with integrity, fairness, wisdom, and faithfulness to cultural values. He also appealed for infrastructural development, especially the rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Ikorodu road, which he noted would foster growth in the area.

The celebration culminated with the recitation of the Oriki Kabiyesi, the presentation of gifts to the Oba and Olori Atinuke, and goodwill messages from various royal fathers. The event ended with a prayer for the safe journey of all attendees and a hopeful outlook for the future of Oke Ariko under its new leadership.