Editors:Kaseem Jenrade and Salam Saheed
Iganna indigenes worldwide have been urged to reconnect with their roots and promote the richly endowed Aloba Festival, with the objective of strengthening the preservation of Iganna culture and heritage.
The Sabigana of Igannaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Diamond) Saliu Oyemonla Azeez Agunloye IV, Ayefemiloye I, delivered this charge during the inaugural Aloba Festival in Iwajowa Local Government Area, Oyo State. The monarch explained that the festival symbolizes Iganna’s history, culture, ancestors, and origin.
Held under the patronage of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Elewu Etu, the event also featured Senator Fatai Buhari, Alhaji Dauda Azuuzu, Alhaji Arikeuyo Abdul‑Raqak, and distinguished personalities from diverse sectors.
Speaking on the festival’s uniqueness, Oba Saliu Oyemonla emphasized that the Aloba celebration serves as a unifying rallying point for Aloba descendants, and an educational platform to re‑orient Iganna youth about their ancestral legacy. He noted that the average Iganna man embodies the lineage of Aloba, thus urging the youth to acquire deeper knowledge of their history and culture to become visionary, focused, and courageous—qualities inherited from their warrior forebears.
He further detailed that the week‑long programme spans education, health, arts, and culture, aiming to nurture productive youth. The Sabigana therefore called on the youth to identify with their heritage and contribute meaningfully to Igannaland’s development, stressing, “there is no place like home.” He also appealed to government to support the promotion of Iganna culture as a tourism asset, highlighting the region’s abundant human and natural resources.
In separate goodwill messages:
Alaafin Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, congratulated the Iganna community, urging unity and cooperation with the Sabigana, and pledged unwavering support for the area’s overall development, preserving ancestral ties.
-Senator Fatai Buhari, affirmed Iganna’s rich cultural values and heritage, predicting a future where the town showcases its traditions to a broader audience. He also advocated APC unity across Oyo State as elections approach and reaffirmed his commitment to the Oke‑Ogun region’s growth.
Hon. Oyewumi Muritala Abiodun, Executive Chairman of Iwajowa Local Government, and Alhaji Yekeen Dauda Papa, a native son, urged Iganna residents at home and abroad to fulfill their developmental responsibilities.
The festival featured cultural displays of Iganna masquerades and the Gelede troupe’s intricate dances.