Igbile Kingdom Celebrates Ifobu Agemo Festival, Awaits Historic Presentation of Onigbile’s Staff of Office
By: Abudu Olalekan
Excitement has enveloped Igbile Kingdom in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State following the Ogun State Government’s approval of the Staff of Office for His Royal Highness, Oba Jaun Medu Kolawole Abdus-Salam, the Onigbile of Igbile-Ijebu Kingdom, with the official presentation scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The approval, granted on July 30, 2026, completed all statutory processes for the formal recognition of the monarch and marked a significant milestone in the restoration of the Onigbile royal institution.
The development came as the kingdom celebrated Ifobu Agemo Day, yesterday, one of the major highlights of the annual Agemo Festival. The community came alive with colourful cultural displays, traditional rites, music, and jubilant gatherings as indigenes, chiefs, and visitors celebrated both the enduring heritage of Igbile and the long-awaited recognition of its traditional ruler.
A Royal Institution Restored
The Onigbile royal stool had remained vacant for decades, leaving the kingdom without a crowned monarch. During this period, the Oloja of Igbile provided leadership for the community while serving as the custodian of the Agemo deity and overseeing traditional religious affairs.
However, many indigenes believed the absence of an Oba had deprived the kingdom of its full traditional identity and recognition. This conviction inspired a collective effort to restore the ancient throne.
The Road to Recognition
The journey gathered momentum during a visit to the late Awujale, His Roysl Highness Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Ogbagba II), when prominent sons of Igbile presented their request to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, seeking the restoration of the Onigbile throne.
The request received the monarch’s approval, after which the people of Igbile commenced the traditional process of selecting a king.
Following consultations, two candidates emerged. Oba Jaun Medu Kolawole Abdus-Salam, now Adekogbe, Gbadewolu, Koseleri, and Ilufemiloyei, was eventually selected as the preferred candidate and widely accepted by the people.
Since his selection, the community has awaited the completion of the state’s recognition process. That process culminated in the government’s approval of the Staff of Office on July 30.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of August 4 Ceremony
With all official formalities completed, attention has now shifted to the formal presentation of the Staff of Office by the Ogun State Government on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., an event expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, dignitaries, sons and daughters of Igbile, and well-wishers from across Ogun State and beyond.
Community leaders have described the occasion as the dawn of a new era for Igbile Kingdom, expressing optimism that the restoration of the Onigbile throne will strengthen traditional governance, promote unity, preserve the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, and stimulate greater development.
For many residents, this year’s Agemo Festival carries deeper significance, symbolising not only the celebration of an age-old tradition but also the rebirth of a royal institution whose return has been eagerly awaited for generations.
Oluwaseun Musa Lawal is an Editor at REPORTERS ROOM with over eight years of professional journalism experience. He specializes in reporting on politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial affairs. His work is driven by a commitment to accuracy, balanced reporting, and public-interest journalism.
Great!!! A kingdom without a king is like a walking blind man.