Oba Awokoya-Yesufu’s 4th Coronation: Irete Rolls Out the Drums with Gov. Abiodun, Ijebu Royals
By Segun Omo Ojikutu
The ancient town of Irete-Ijebu, nestled in Ogun State, is wearing a festive look as it prepares for a royal milestone — the 4th Coronation Anniversary of its monarch, Oba Dr. Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu, the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu. From October 2nd to 4th, 2025, the quiet community will come alive with colour, culture, and dignitaries as indigenes at home and abroad converge to celebrate their king and their heritage.
Speaking at a press conference inside his palace, the Onirete declared that the celebrations will not merely be a showcase of Irete’s rich Ijebu culture, but also a reflection of the strides made under his reign. He extended a warm invitation to all sons and daughters of Irete worldwide to “return home and be part of history.”
A Festival of Tradition and Faith
The three-day event promises a blend of culture, religion, and royal splendour. It kicks off on Thursday, October 2nd, with traditional rites and the thrilling Gbedu Drum dance, led by the monarch himself. On Friday, October 3rd, the community will gather for a special Jummat service at the Central Mosque. The celebrations will climax on Saturday, October 4th, with a grand finale featuring the installation of new high-profile chiefs — the Otunba Jadiara of Irete, the Yeye Otunba Jadiara, and the Iyalode of Irete.
Among the roll call of dignitaries expected are Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ijebu royal fathers, honorary chiefs, political leaders, and traditional rulers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Four Years of Transformation
Looking back on his journey so far, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu proudly highlighted key achievements during his reign:
Installation of solar-powered streetlights across the town
Rehabilitation of the community’s electricity transformer
Construction of Irete’s first modern market
Opening and grading of roads to enhance commerce and mobility
Yet the monarch is not resting on his laurels. He revealed bold new plans for a standard hospital, a community mini-hospital, and an ICT centre in collaboration with the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Education.
“Irete is on the move,” he declared, while also acknowledging the contributions of Governor Abiodun to road and lighting projects in the town. Still, he appealed for more government presence — especially in education, healthcare, and youth employment.
He also commended the Ijebu North-East Council boss, Hon. Babatunde Diya, for donating 20 solar streetlights and pledging more.
The Pride of the Ijebus
In a moment of history and pride, the Onirete reminded his audience that Irete’s roots run deep. Tracing the ancestry of the town to Owa Otutubiosun, Dagburewe of Idowa, in 1540, he pointed out that Irete predates neighbouring Omu, which only emerged in the 18th century.
“Irete is the home of the original Ijebus,” he stressed. “We share family ties with Omu and Odojobore, but Irete has always stood distinct and independent.”
Beyond infrastructure, the palace under his watch has extended lifelines to the people — from scholarships and tuition support for students to employment initiatives for youths and soft loans for women entrepreneurs.
Tributes and Endorsements
The monarch paid glowing tributes to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the late Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya, acknowledging their pivotal roles in securing Irete’s coronet status.
At the press conference, the current Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape, hailed the Onirete for his infrastructural feats and reaffirmed the historic ties binding Irete and Idowa. He also called for stronger grassroots vigilance, reminding communities that “government cannot do it alone.”
In his remarks, Otunba Dosumu Saheed, pioneer chairman of Anowoneyo ACDC, described the Onirete as a monarch of action. He revealed that Irete now boasts 73 Community Development Associations, an impressive leap from just two at the start of Oba Awokoya-Yesufu’s reign.
As the drums roll and the colourful fabrics of Ijebu royalty fill the air, the people of Irete are not only celebrating their monarch’s four years on the throne — they are also celebrating progress, heritage, and a renewed vision for the future.
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