Oke-Ariko Hosts 2026 Odun Agemo Festival, Celebrates Cultural Heritage
Oke-Ariko Hosts 2026 Odun Agemo Festival, Celebrates Cultural Heritage
By: Saidat Adewale
Oke-Ariko community in Ogun State on Thursday hosted its annual Odun Agemo (Agemo Festival), bringing together residents, youths and traditional rulers for a celebration of the community’s cultural heritage.
The festival, organised by the Oke-Ariko Youths Development Association, featured the arrival of Oba (Dr) Oladunni Olayinka, the Oloke of Oke-Ariko 2, in full traditional regalia, accompanied by members of his traditional council.
The ceremony opened with traditional greetings and homage from the Iyalode and other women leaders, followed by cultural performances and the appearance of the Agemo masquerade, which moved through the community as part of the traditional celebration.
Youths also participated in customary rites associated with the festival, including the traditional whipping performance, while residents and visitors gathered to witness the various cultural displays.
The celebration was attended by other traditional rulers, including the Alado of Ado, Oba Sunday Olatunji, the Lowa Ibu of Batoro 3, Oba (Dr) Agbesegun Adedapo Ogunsola and Oba Bilawu Oloke of Ona Emunren who joined the Oloke of Oke-Ariko 2 in honouring the occasion.
The significance of the festival was also highlighted during interactions with the traditional leadership of the community. The Baálẹ̀ explained that although the observance had not always been consistent, the present monarch has shown strong commitment to the preservation and proper observance of the community’s cultural traditions.
The 2026 Odun Agemo provided an opportunity for the people of Oke-Ariko to celebrate their heritage, strengthen communal bonds and promote the preservation of their cultural traditions for future generations.
