The Igede Progressive Association (IPA), Ibadan Branch, on Saturday, 5th September 2026, hosted the National Body of the Association, representatives of the Onigede-in-Council, the Igede Youth Forum, community development stakeholders, and members of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee at the Ibadan Recreation Club, Ibadan.
The meeting, which brought together prominent sons and daughters of Igede-Ekiti, was held in the spirit of unity, progress and collective responsibility towards the development of the community, the preservation of its rich heritage and the successful hosting of OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026.
The meeting commenced shortly after the arrival of the National Body with an opening prayer led by Pastor Famotemi Sunday, Treasurer of the IPA Ibadan Branch. The Chairman of the Ibadan Branch, Elder Adebayo Adeleye, thereafter welcomed the National Body, representatives of the palace and members of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee.
In his opening remarks, Elder Adeleye expressed appreciation to God Almighty for granting the National Body a safe journey to Ibadan and for bringing everyone together in peace. He congratulated the gathering as another opportunity for the Igede community to strengthen its bond, noting that the fulfilment of the National Bodyβs commitment to visit the Ibadan Branch was worthy of appreciation. He subsequently invited participants to introduce themselves.
Addressing the gathering, the President General of IPA, Dr. Austin Ibikunle, expressed appreciation to the Ibadan Branch for hosting the National Body and described the occasion as a family meeting. He emphasised that Igede-Ekiti remains the common home and heritage shared by all Igede indigenes, irrespective of where they reside.
Dr. Ibikunle noted that having an origin and being able to proudly identify with one’s community gives a person a strong sense of identity, belonging and pride. He stressed that the Igede people in Ibadan and other parts of the country remain connected by their common heritage and responsibility towards the development of their ancestral home.
He explained that the gathering was a stakeholdersβ meeting involving the IPA Ibadan Branch, representatives of the palace, community development structures, the Igede Youth Forum and the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee, led by its Chairman, Dr. Oludotun Adetunberu.
According to him, the purpose of the meeting was to create an avenue for stakeholders to share ideas and identify practical ways of strengthening IPA in Ibadan while contributing to the development and progress of Igede-Ekiti. He encouraged participants to offer constructive contributions on issues affecting the community and to explore ways of supporting existing development initiatives.
Dr. Ibikunle also apologised for the late arrival of the National Body, explaining that the delegation had planned to depart early and expected to arrive in Ibadan within approximately three hours. However, traffic challenges and a vehicle breakdown around Ife contributed to the delay. He expressed regret and assured the Ibadan Branch that the delay was not deliberate.
He thereafter spoke on the activities and preparations for OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026, while reflecting on previous community programmes, including the Esther Carnival, Igede Day 2024 and the previous edition of the annual celebration. He also emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, youth development, political participation and community development, stressing that the progress of Igede-Ekiti requires the active participation and collective contribution of its people.
High Chief Akomolafe Obanle delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the palace and the Onigede-in-Council. He commended the initiative and explained the historical significance of the decision to rename the annual celebration from Igede Day to OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨.
He stated that the new name reflects the community’s determination to preserve its history and ensure that future generations remain connected to their ancestral roots, particularly ΓkΓ¨, regarded as an important progenitor in the history of Igede-Ekiti. He stressed that the remembrance of ΓkΓ¨ is intended to preserve the community’s identity, history and heritage.
The Odofin of Igede-Ekiti, High Chief Bolofinde Ayokunle, also delivered a goodwill message and prayed for all sons and daughters of Igede-Ekiti as preparations continue for the 2026 celebration. He supported the explanation concerning ΓkΓ¨ and emphasised the importance of remembering and preserving the history of one’s forefathers.
He clarified that the commemoration of ΓkΓ¨ should not be interpreted as idol worship, but rather as an effort to preserve historical memory and acknowledge the roots of the Igede people. He illustrated this with the practice of families remembering and honouring their departed parents and notable ancestors as part of preserving their family history.
The Vice Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Chairman of the Foot Soldiers, Hon. Gbenga Adebayo, commended the people of Igede-Ekiti for their impressive participation in previous editions of the annual celebration. He recalled the level of mobilisation and contributions recorded from different quarters and noted that such participation demonstrated the strength of the community when its people work together.
He encouraged Igede indigenes to continue supporting community programmes and to disregard narratives capable of discouraging participation in activities at home. He stressed the importance of peace, unity and collective responsibility in promoting the development and image of Igede-Ekiti.
The Chairman of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee, Dr. Oludotun Adetunberu, gave an update on the committee’s activities and preparations for the forthcoming celebration. He outlined the progress made so far and the various initiatives being undertaken to ensure that OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 becomes a memorable celebration of Igede heritage, identity, unity and togetherness.
Representing the President of the Igede Youth Forum, the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Busayo, addressed the gathering on behalf of the youth leadership. He reaffirmed the commitment of Igede youths to the development of the community and the success of OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026. He also stressed the need for greater youth inclusion and opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to community affairs.
Pastor Famotemi Sunday appealed to the National Body to sustain regular engagement with the Ibadan Branch and ensure that branches outside Igede-Ekiti are adequately carried along in matters concerning the Association and developments in the community. He emphasised the importance of effective communication, inclusion and stronger coordination between the National Body and its branches.
Rev. Ayodele Aladesuru commended the National Body of IPA and the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee for their efforts towards strengthening the Association and promoting the annual celebration. He appreciated the stakeholders for their commitment and prayed for wisdom, unity and success for everyone working for the progress of Igede-Ekiti.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Comrade Busayo, who appreciated the National Body, the IPA Ibadan Branch, representatives of the Onigede-in-Council, the Igede Youth Forum, the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee and all other stakeholders for their participation.
The gathering ended with a closing prayer and the general recitation of Ore Ofe, with participants departing in an atmosphere of unity and renewed commitment to the collective advancement of Igede-Ekiti.
Among those in attendance were Elder Adebayo Adeleye, Chairman, IPA Ibadan Branch; Pastor Famotemi Sunday, Treasurer; Mr. Ayodele Olomola, Secretary; Dr. John Agun, Vice Chairman; Rev. Ayodele Aladesuru; Mr. Dada Olasunkanmi Onisere, Member; Mrs. Famotemi Ronke, Member; Dr. E.O. Aladesuru, Member; representatives of the IPA National Body; representatives of the Onigede-in-Council; representatives of the Igede Youth Forum; members of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee and other distinguished sons and daughters of Igede-Ekiti.
The meeting was a significant step towards strengthening collaboration among Igede stakeholders in Ibadan and at home, with renewed emphasis on unity, cultural preservation, youth development, community advancement and the successful hosting of OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026.
OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026! Celebrating Our Heritage, Promoting Our Unity.
The meeting, which brought together prominent sons and daughters of Igede-Ekiti, was held in the spirit of unity, progress and collective responsibility towards the development of the community, the preservation of its rich heritage and the successful hosting of OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026.
The meeting commenced shortly after the arrival of the National Body with an opening prayer led by Pastor Famotemi Sunday, Treasurer of the IPA Ibadan Branch. The Chairman of the Ibadan Branch, Elder Adebayo Adeleye, thereafter welcomed the National Body, representatives of the palace and members of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee.
In his opening remarks, Elder Adeleye expressed appreciation to God Almighty for granting the National Body a safe journey to Ibadan and for bringing everyone together in peace. He congratulated the gathering as another opportunity for the Igede community to strengthen its bond, noting that the fulfilment of the National Bodyβs commitment to visit the Ibadan Branch was worthy of appreciation. He subsequently invited participants to introduce themselves.
Addressing the gathering, the President General of IPA, Dr. Austin Ibikunle, expressed appreciation to the Ibadan Branch for hosting the National Body and described the occasion as a family meeting. He emphasised that Igede-Ekiti remains the common home and heritage shared by all Igede indigenes, irrespective of where they reside.
Dr. Ibikunle noted that having an origin and being able to proudly identify with one’s community gives a person a strong sense of identity, belonging and pride. He stressed that the Igede people in Ibadan and other parts of the country remain connected by their common heritage and responsibility towards the development of their ancestral home.
He explained that the gathering was a stakeholdersβ meeting involving the IPA Ibadan Branch, representatives of the palace, community development structures, the Igede Youth Forum and the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee, led by its Chairman, Dr. Oludotun Adetunberu.
According to him, the purpose of the meeting was to create an avenue for stakeholders to share ideas and identify practical ways of strengthening IPA in Ibadan while contributing to the development and progress of Igede-Ekiti. He encouraged participants to offer constructive contributions on issues affecting the community and to explore ways of supporting existing development initiatives.
Dr. Ibikunle also apologised for the late arrival of the National Body, explaining that the delegation had planned to depart early and expected to arrive in Ibadan within approximately three hours. However, traffic challenges and a vehicle breakdown around Ife contributed to the delay. He expressed regret and assured the Ibadan Branch that the delay was not deliberate.
He thereafter spoke on the activities and preparations for OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026, while reflecting on previous community programmes, including the Esther Carnival, Igede Day 2024 and the previous edition of the annual celebration. He also emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, youth development, political participation and community development, stressing that the progress of Igede-Ekiti requires the active participation and collective contribution of its people.
High Chief Akomolafe Obanle delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the palace and the Onigede-in-Council. He commended the initiative and explained the historical significance of the decision to rename the annual celebration from Igede Day to OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨.
He stated that the new name reflects the community’s determination to preserve its history and ensure that future generations remain connected to their ancestral roots, particularly ΓkΓ¨, regarded as an important progenitor in the history of Igede-Ekiti. He stressed that the remembrance of ΓkΓ¨ is intended to preserve the community’s identity, history and heritage.
The Odofin of Igede-Ekiti, High Chief Bolofinde Ayokunle, also delivered a goodwill message and prayed for all sons and daughters of Igede-Ekiti as preparations continue for the 2026 celebration. He supported the explanation concerning ΓkΓ¨ and emphasised the importance of remembering and preserving the history of one’s forefathers.
He clarified that the commemoration of ΓkΓ¨ should not be interpreted as idol worship, but rather as an effort to preserve historical memory and acknowledge the roots of the Igede people. He illustrated this with the practice of families remembering and honouring their departed parents and notable ancestors as part of preserving their family history.
The Vice Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Chairman of the Foot Soldiers, Hon. Gbenga Adebayo, commended the people of Igede-Ekiti for their impressive participation in previous editions of the annual celebration. He recalled the level of mobilisation and contributions recorded from different quarters and noted that such participation demonstrated the strength of the community when its people work together.
He encouraged Igede indigenes to continue supporting community programmes and to disregard narratives capable of discouraging participation in activities at home. He stressed the importance of peace, unity and collective responsibility in promoting the development and image of Igede-Ekiti.
The Chairman of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee, Dr. Oludotun Adetunberu, gave an update on the committee’s activities and preparations for the forthcoming celebration. He outlined the progress made so far and the various initiatives being undertaken to ensure that OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 becomes a memorable celebration of Igede heritage, identity, unity and togetherness.
Representing the President of the Igede Youth Forum, the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Busayo, addressed the gathering on behalf of the youth leadership. He reaffirmed the commitment of Igede youths to the development of the community and the success of OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026. He also stressed the need for greater youth inclusion and opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to community affairs.
Pastor Famotemi Sunday appealed to the National Body to sustain regular engagement with the Ibadan Branch and ensure that branches outside Igede-Ekiti are adequately carried along in matters concerning the Association and developments in the community. He emphasised the importance of effective communication, inclusion and stronger coordination between the National Body and its branches.
Rev. Ayodele Aladesuru commended the National Body of IPA and the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee for their efforts towards strengthening the Association and promoting the annual celebration. He appreciated the stakeholders for their commitment and prayed for wisdom, unity and success for everyone working for the progress of Igede-Ekiti.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Comrade Busayo, who appreciated the National Body, the IPA Ibadan Branch, representatives of the Onigede-in-Council, the Igede Youth Forum, the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee and all other stakeholders for their participation.
The gathering ended with a closing prayer and the general recitation of Ore Ofe, with participants departing in an atmosphere of unity and renewed commitment to the collective advancement of Igede-Ekiti.
Among those in attendance were Elder Adebayo Adeleye, Chairman, IPA Ibadan Branch; Pastor Famotemi Sunday, Treasurer; Mr. Ayodele Olomola, Secretary; Dr. John Agun, Vice Chairman; Rev. Ayodele Aladesuru; Mr. Dada Olasunkanmi Onisere, Member; Mrs. Famotemi Ronke, Member; Dr. E.O. Aladesuru, Member; representatives of the IPA National Body; representatives of the Onigede-in-Council; representatives of the Igede Youth Forum; members of the OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026 Central Planning Committee and other distinguished sons and daughters of Igede-Ekiti.
The meeting was a significant step towards strengthening collaboration among Igede stakeholders in Ibadan and at home, with renewed emphasis on unity, cultural preservation, youth development, community advancement and the successful hosting of OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026.
OjΓΊdΓ© ΓkΓ¨ 2026! Celebrating Our Heritage, Promoting Our Unity.
