Sagamu Day 40th Anniversary Grand Finale: A Celebration of Culture, Royalty and Glamour
By: Oluwapelumi Ogunleye
On Saturday, October 26th 2024, the historic city of Sagamu witnessed the grand finale of its 40th anniversary celebration, marking the culmination of a week-long extravaganza. The Akarigbo of Remoland’s palace, Ita Oba Sagamu, provided a majestic backdrop for the festivities.
The grand finale brought together an array of great personalities from Remo, Ogun State and Nigeria, including esteemed traditional rulers, government officials, distinguished community leaders and other prominent figures.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance are; The Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi CFR, took precedence as the paramount ruler of Remoland. The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was represented by Mr. Ola Oresanya, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment. Other government officials present included Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Works, and Hon. Biyi Adeleye, Special Adviser to the Governor on political matters.
Other notable attendees were Mr. Segun Oluwaji FCA, Chairman of the grand finale Sagamu Day; Asiwaju SK Onafowokan; Iyalode of Remoland, Chief Mrs. Ogunbiyi; Hon. T. Awoyemi Adeyiga, President of Sagamu DA; distinguished members of RemoGDF; high-ranking security officials; and several other esteemed personalities.
The celebration also brought together esteemed monarchs from various kingdoms, including Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu; Ewusi of Makun, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya; Elemuren of Emuren, Oba Adesegun Bolaji Alowonle; Odofin of Soyindo, Oba Lasisi Gisanri; Onijagba of Ijagba, Oba Samson Adesanya; Alado of Ado Sagamu; Lemo of Ode Lemo, Oba S.T. Solesi; Negbuwa of Ibido, Oba Kolawole Adeyemi; Radanuwa of Idado, Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile; Atawa of Latawa, Oba Rotimi Oyefola; Aminishan Oko, Alayeluwa Oba Babatunde Odunayo Feshikilo II; Odogun of Ipoji, Oba Olatunji Osho.
Other Royal Fathers includes: Lowa Ibu of Batoro, Oba Sulaimon Adekunle Odeyemi; Onigbepa of Igbepa, Oba Samuel Daudu; Onijokun of Ijoku, Oba Eng. Adewale Jibodu; Legunshe of Ilupeju, Oba Bello Sikiru; Oniraniken of Iraniken, Oba Adewale Adeniji; Oselu of Okeselu, Oba Hezekiah Rasidi Tayo; Onilaye of Ilaye; Oniraye of Iraye; Alagura of Agura; Onigode of Igode; Ayanperuwa of Sotubo; Alariye of Ariye; Onifogege of Forge; Onirolu of Irolu, Oba Sikiru Ajibowu Adeyiga; Orimadegun of Araromi, Oba Solomon Oguntade Adegboyega; and Onimushin of Imushin Sagamu.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Segun Oluwaji FCA, made a remarkable contribution to the development of Sagamu, donating a staggering sum of 100 million Naira to support community projects and promote the city’s growth.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun’s representative, Mr. Ola Oresanya announced exciting developments for Sagamu during the 40th anniversary celebration. He stated that Work on the long-awaited Aiyepe road will commence shortly and is slated for completion before next year’s Sagamu Day celebration. This garnered applause from sagamites in attendance as the road has been one of the projects they’ve been hoping the government takes up.
Furthermore, he said multiple roads within Sagamu will undergo tar surfacing, ensuring smoother transportation and enhanced connectivity. He added that the Sagamu Arcade, a pivotal project, will also receive necessary attention, paving the way for its timely completion.
A dazzling royal parade stole the show at the Sagamu Day Grand finale celebration. Vibrant associations and groups, resplendent in stunning, intricately designed attire, elegantly filed past the majestic Akarigbo of Remoland and esteemed royalties seated in grandeur.
With graceful poise and precision choreography, they paid homage, showcasing rich cultural heritage through colorful, ornate costumes, synchronized movements and lively music. Some proudly rode majestic horses, adding a regal touch to the spectacle. The parade’s grandeur was further heightened as valuable gifts were presented to the revered Akarigbo, symbolizing respect, loyalty, and appreciation. Cameras flashed, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful 40th Sagamu Day celebration. He offered prayers for the well-being of all Sagamites, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity among them.
Oba Ajayi stressed that unity is non-negotiable, reiterating his commitment to harmony within the community. This was followed by a private dinner party with all Dignitaries in attendance.
The event concluded with musical entertainment from renowned singer Labi Obey, whose soulful melodies filled the air, leaving the audience enthralled and serenaded.
