Culture
Isese Day 2025: Agbotifayo hails Abiodun, seeks greater support for Traditional Religion
Chief Ayedun Ifadare Owodunni, popularly known as Agbotifayo, has commended the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for recognizing African Traditional Religion through the declaration of August 20 as a public holiday to mark Isese Day.
Agbotifayo, a renowned Chief Priest and founder of the Agbotifayo Empire, gave the commendation on Wednesday in Isara Remo during the annual Ifa sacrifice held to commemorate Isese Day 2025.
He described the governor’s gesture as a step in the right direction, noting that for decades, traditional worshippers had been sidelined while Christianity and Islam enjoyed official recognition through public holidays.
“While we were in school, we were taught that there are three religions: Traditional, Christian, and Islamic. So why was traditional religion relegated initially? We are grateful that in the past few years, we now have our annual holiday on August 20. Before now, the other two religions were the only ones enjoying holidays”.
“I therefore want to plead with our dear Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to give further support to the institutionalization of traditional worship so it becomes even better than it is currently,” he said.
Agbotifayo also urged all Yoruba sons and daughters to embrace and preserve their cultural and spiritual heritage.
“There is no Yoruba man or woman who doesn’t have one or two traditional deities in their family. We are all Africans, and there is evidence that these traditional practices have helped us. Whether at home or abroad, there is at least one deity that has aided you. Abandoning our culture and tradition is like a river disconnected from its source,” he charged.
Additionally, the Chief Priest offered prayers for peace, growth, and development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
Culture
A Year of Roots and Radiance: OruntoOwuAbeokuta Celebrates One Year of Preserving Owu’s Cultural Crown
www.oruntoowuabeokuta.org.ng , the premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Egbas, and Abeokuta, is proud to celebrate its first anniversary.
Screenshot
Over the past year, OruntoOwuAbeokuta has established itself as a vibrant hub for cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and the Owu community to explore and engage with their roots.
Through its comprehensive work, the platform has preserved historical narratives, traditional practices, and contemporary updates, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Orunto Owu Abeokuta has fostered community engagement through interactive forums, events, and festivals like Odun Omo Olowu, uniting Owu descendants worldwide.
The platform has also provided valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Owu history, socio-political contributions, and cultural significance.
“We are thrilled to mark this milestone and appreciate the unwavering support from our community,” said the management team. “Our impact extends beyond cultural promotion, contributing to the Owu Kingdom and Abeokuta’s economy and tourism.
Initiatives like Odun Omo Olowu and Lisabi Festival have attracted international attention, boosting local businesses and skill promotions.”
With over 350 articles, write-ups, and pieces published within a year, the website is a treasure trove of interesting reads and stories told through captivating 1000+ photos.
OruntoOwuAbeokuta’s dynamic nature is a testament to its commitment to growth and development.
“Reading makes a healthy life and personal development,” and OruntoOwuAbeokuta is a shining example of this philosophy in action. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta history.”
The platform is a brainchild of Chief Abiodun Lasile, the Orunto Owu Kingdom Abeokuta and Founder/Coordinator The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications
Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (Ogun Chapter)
www.oruntoowuabeokuta.org.ng , the premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Egbas, and Abeokuta, is proud to celebrate its first anniversary.
Over the past year, OruntoOwuAbeokuta has established itself as a vibrant hub for cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and the Owu community to explore and engage with their roots.
Through its comprehensive work, the platform has preserved historical narratives, traditional practices, and contemporary updates, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Orunto Owu Abeokuta has fostered community engagement through interactive forums, events, and festivals like Odun Omo Olowu, uniting Owu descendants worldwide.
The platform has also provided valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Owu history, socio-political contributions, and cultural significance.
“We are thrilled to mark this milestone and appreciate the unwavering support from our community,” said the management team.
“Our impact extends beyond cultural promotion, contributing to the Owu Kingdom and Abeokuta’s economy and tourism. Initiatives like Odun Omo Olowu and Lisabi Festival have attracted international attention, boosting local businesses and skill promotions.”
With over 350 articles, write-ups, and pieces published within a year, the website is a treasure trove of interesting reads and stories told through captivating 1000+ photos.
OruntoOwuAbeokuta’s dynamic nature is a testament to its commitment to growth and development.
“Reading makes a healthy life and personal development,” and OruntoOwuAbeokuta is a shining example of this philosophy in action. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta history.
The platform is the brainchild of Chief Abiodun Lasile, Orunto Owu Kingdom Abeokuta and Founder Coordinator The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications
He is also the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (Ogun Chapter)
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, PhD., FNSE, Otileta VII, has commended leaders and members of the Ogun State Chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (Ogun FIBAN) for ensuring a peaceful and orderly leadership transition that ushered in the association’s new executive.
According to a statement issued by the association through its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olusoji Akindiya (Okanlomo), the monarch gave this commendation during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated Ogun FIBAN Executive, led by its Chairman, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, popularly known as “Ayinla Egba,” at his palace in Oke Ago-Owu on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Shoyinka expressed deep appreciation to Kabiyesi for granting the delegation audience and lauded the Olowu’s royal charisma as well as his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence among his people.
He highlighted the vital role of FIBAN in society, describing its members as grassroots media practitioners and the voice of the voiceless who create impactful content across radio, television, and digital platforms, with chapters nationwide.
Chief Shoyinka assured the monarch of Ogun FIBAN’s readiness to support programmes of the Owu Palace and its people, while also requesting that the association be actively involved in palace engagements where media partnership would be beneficial.
In his response, Oba Matemilola expressed delight at the renewed unity within Ogun FIBAN and urged members to work diligently to sustain the harmony and progress recorded so far.
He reminded broadcasters of the enormous influence they wield in society, encouraging them to deploy the “power of the tongue” responsibly for positive development.
The Olowu further assured the delegation of the palace’s full support and pledged that Ogun FIBAN would henceforth be fully integrated into palace programmes and public engagements.
The occasion was also used by Chief Shoyinka to formally invite His Royal Majesty to the forthcoming 2026 World Radio Day celebration organised by Ogun FIBAN, scheduled for Friday, 13th February, where the monarch is expected to serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
The Ogun FIBAN delegation included Comrade Moses Okunlola (General Secretary), Comrade Oluwatoyin Asakpa (Financial Secretary), Comrade Olusoji Akindiya (Okanlomo), Publicity Secretary, Comrade Betty Adejare (Welfare Officer), Comrade Olalekan Atanda, Comrade Wasiu Alani (Jejelomo), Comrade Tolulope Ezekiel Obadare (Aboki Ijesa), Comrade Emmanuel Somuyiwa, Comrade Oluwaseun Adesanya, and Comrade Bafunso Kehinde.
The visit concluded with the presentation of an honorary plaque from the FIBAN National Office to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom as a mark of respect and a lasting symbol of the cordial engagement.
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