…as Oba Elerinmo seeks UNESCO endorsement, unveil ‘Abedagi’ ancestral drink to boost cultural enterprise.
By Chris Onuoha
The 2026 Agidanyin ‘Founder’s Day’ festival of the Erinmo-Ijesa kingdom, Oriade Local Government Area in Osun State, held on November 7, was celebrated with a remarkable reminiscent of the legacy of Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, the second Ooni of Ife.
The keleidoscope of cultural funfair and celebration, which marked 926 years of royal heritage, culture, and ancestral pride, held in preservation and remembrance of the legacy of Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, rekindles the founding history of Erinmo-Ijesa, and his warrior son, Agidanyinmosa, the first King of Erinmo kingdom.
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Aduagbo Ajayi, JP. Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa kingdom hosted the historic event, that attracted prominent first class monarchs in Yorubaland that included Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the grand royal father of the day.
The festival featured cultural activities that included meat feast, the annual Iwure led by the Araba of Osogboland, High Chief Fayemi Osundagbonu Elebu-ibon and royal prayers and blessings.
Others are the Arowotawaya recognition awards, traditional cultural dance display and crowning of the winner of Miss Erinmo beauty pageant.
Meanwhile, the major highlight of the 2026 edition was the unveiling of ‘Abedagidi’, a herbal drink described as the original ancestral drink of Erinmo-Ijesaland founder, Obalufon Alayemore that cures prostate and purely herbal remedy.
Another major significance of the festival was highlighted by a call made by Oba Elerinmo urging UNESCO for acceptance of the cultural festival as a tool for promoting tourism and national unity.
Oba Arowotawaya also used the opportunity to call on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to demonstrate tangible support for the promotion and management of indigenous cultural festivals like Agidanyin. He described the festival as a grand celebration of heritage, ancestry, and community development, which attracts a mammoth crowd from far and near.
The monarch stressed that developing the tourism potential of the annual festival would serve as a catalyst for job creation and boost local development.
“I am seeking government’s support to help us secure UNESCO cultural heritage recognition for the annual Agidanyin festival, turning culture into a revenue stream,” the monarch appealed.
He also renewed his call for a constitutional role for traditional rulers in Nigeria, proposing that Obas should be recognised as the fourth tier of government to guarantee effective and fair governance at the grassroots.
“Unlike in previous generations, many contemporary traditional rulers possess remarkable educational qualifications and professional experience. The wealth of knowledge within our traditional institutions should be better harnessed for national development,” he added.
Other distinguished monarchs in attendance include His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III — The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland; Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Aremo Obatala of the Universe; Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye, Adetona I, the Elerin of Erin-Ile; Oba Yusuf Kolawole Omoloye Oyagbodun II, the Elerin of Erin-Osun; Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotola, Jokotola II, the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Olojudo-Alayemore; Oba Festus Kayode Alao Awogboro, the Alademure of Ibokun and Oba (Engr.) Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye Abikehin-Ekun Agunsoye II, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa.
Other prominent figures include the Araba of Osogbo Land, Chief Ifayemi Osundagbonu Elebuibon; His Eminence Baba Aladura Adesuyi Ogundare Opa Alade 1; Iyalode Simisade Adekuku (Iyalode Obirin Oodua Agbaye); Hon. Alderman Lola Ajiun Ayonrinde (UK); Professor Gbenga Fasiku (Dean, Faculty of Arts, OAU); and Engr. (Dr) Murtala Alimi Otisese (Oba Yoruba of Kano).
Earlier in his remark, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, expressed satisfaction with the positive impacts of Oba Arowotawaya II since mounting the throne of his forefathers.
Oba Ladoja urged the residents of the ancient town to always demonstrate their unalloyed support to the Elerinmo, noting that he was highly elated to be part of the historic celebration for the first time.
