Ilishan-Rẹmọ Celebrates 49th Isanbi Day, Highlights Heritage and Economic Revival
Ilishan-Rẹmọ Celebrates 49th Isanbi Day, Highlights Heritage and Economic Revival
ILISHAN-REMO, Ogun State,the 49th Isanbi Day grand finale and homecoming celebration took place on October 3, 2026, at Ilishan High School grounds, bringing together traditional leaders, government representatives, community groups and sons and daughters of Ilishan-Rẹmọ. The celebration’s theme was “Leveraging Legacy for Economic Revival.”
The event opened with a celebration of the town’s history, customs and cultural heritage. Master of ceremonies Wunmi W. Okulaja, popularly known as MC Adaptor, welcomed guests and invited dignitaries to the high table. Guests rose to greet the royal father, Oba Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga, Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilishan-Rẹmọ.
Representing Ogun State’s First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, was Mrs Comfort Odunlami of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. Other attendees included Ikenne Local Government Chairman Hon. Jamiu Mohammed Asimi; Ilishan Development Association Chairman Hon. Rotimi Williams Osinowo; Chairman of the Day Bobajiro Antony Bandele Osibodu; and Local Organising Committee Chairman Tunji Amokade. Community leaders, religious representatives, business figures and Miss Isanbi 2026, Queen Opeyemi Zainab Jinadu, were also present.
Numerous clubs, age grades and associations took part, presenting aspects of Ilishan’s traditions and community life. The MC acknowledged sponsors, including Adron Homes, Leadway, Indomie and Mouka Foam. Following an opening prayer led by the town’s chief imam, attendees sang the national, Ogun State and Ilishan anthems.
In his welcome address, Osinowo said Isanbi Day had, over 49 years, become a powerful expression of shared heritage and a gathering for residents and people in the diaspora. Oba Sonuga thanked God, the dignitaries, sponsors and community members for their support. He pointed to development in the area, including the Gateway Airport and a Nigeria Immigration project, and praised Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife for supporting the community.
The monarch also commended Ilishan-born Adron Homes founder Sir Adetola Olaniyi Olanipekun for donating a royal palace, and the Hassan Odukale family for committing an initial ₦500 million to the renovation of the community hospital. He thanked his wife, Olori Folashade Sonuga, for her support.
In a message delivered on behalf of the First Lady, Odunlami welcomed the theme’s focus on using Ilishan’s history and legacy to advance the town. Amokade reviewed the festival’s growth, noting activities held during the week, including food and dance competitions, a pageant, quiz and debate, sports, health outreach and youth empowerment.
The programme also featured the launch of a project to install ten relief transformers. The Gent Club placed first among the participating groups, followed by Egbe Omowunmi and Egbe Arowolo. Awards were presented to the Gent Club, Ilishan teachers, Adron Homes’ chief executive and Professor Olutayo Shokunbi.
Donations included ₦1.5 million from Erelu Mowunmi Sotunbo, ₦1 million from the Gent Club, ₦500,000 from the local government chairman and ₦100,000 from the Igbo community. Adron Homes also pledged a ₦500 million palace project, scheduled for commissioning on October 26, 2026.
The celebration concluded with a performance by Alhaji Alabi Pasuma. Osinowo delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the guests, associations, schools, artisans, businesses and well-wishers whose contributions helped make the anniversary a success.
