… Olubadan, Owa Obokun, Olufon, Elerin, Olojudo storm Erinmo as Oba Arowotawaya II unveils ‘Abedagidi’ ancestral drink
Written By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
The ancient town of Erinmo-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State came alive on Saturday, November 7, 2026, as it hosted a historic gathering of prominent traditional rulers, high-net-worth personalities, and cultural enthusiasts for the 2026 Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival.
The colourful celebration, which marked 926 years of royal heritage, culture, and ancestral pride, honoured the legacy of Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, the revered ancestor associated with the founding history of Erinmo-Ijesa, and his warrior son, Agidanyinmosa, the first King of Erinmo.
A Call for Government Support and UNESCO Recognition
Hosting the grand event, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, HRM Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to demonstrate tangible support for the promotion and management of indigenous cultural festivals like Agidanyin.
Oba Arowotawaya II described the festival as a grand celebration of heritage, ancestry, and community development, which attracts a mammoth crowd from far and near. He 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.
A Convergence of Royal Majesties
The event was graced by an array of first-class monarchs, underscoring the unity and solidarity of Yorubaland.
Leading the roll call was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja (Arusa I), who served as the Grand Royal Father of the Day.
Other distinguished monarchs in attendance included:
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III — The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland (Grand Royal Host)
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye III — The Olufon of Ifon-Osun (Aremo Obatala of the Universe)
His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye (Adetona I) — The Elerin of Erin-Ile
His Royal Majesty, Oba Yusuf Kolawole Omoloye Oyagbodun II — The Elerin of Erin-Osun
His Royal Majesty, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotola (Jokotola II) — The Olojudo of Ido-Osun (Olojudo-Alayemore)
His Royal Majesty, Oba Festus Kayode Alao Awogboro — The Alademure of Ibokun
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye Abikehin-Ekun Agunsoye II — The Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa
Other prominent figures included 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).
Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja Preaches Unity
Speaking at the well-attended programme, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, expressed satisfaction with the positive impacts of Oba Arowotawaya II since mounting the throne of his forefathers.
Making his first visit to Erinmo Kingdom as Grand Royal Father, the Olubadan called on residents of the ancient town to always demonstrate their unalloyed support to the Elerinmo, adding that he was highly elated to be part of the historic celebration.
Cultural Highlights and Ancestral Drink Unveiling
The festival featured a rich array of cultural activities, including a Meat Feast, the annual Iwure led by the Araba of Osogboland High Chief Fayemi Osundagbonu Elebu-ibon, royal prayers and blessings, the Arowotawaya Recognition Awards, and a traditional cultural display.
A 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. The event also featured the crowning of Miss Erinmo.
In his welcome address, Barrister Nathaniel Agunbiade appreciated the high calibre of traditional rulers, politicians, business moguls, and well-wishers from far and near who joined the Elerinmo in celebrating the festival.
‘The Unexpected’: A Personal Reflection by Erelu Túnwàṣẹ
The 2026 Agidanyin Festival was not only a public spectacle but also a deeply spiritual experience for one of the award recipients, Erelu Túnwàṣẹ, who received the Arowotawaya Royal Award for Cultural Heritage. In a profound personal reflection shared after the event, Erelu Túnwàṣẹ described the occasion as a moment when “cultural heritage, ancestral history and the world unseen came together.”
She recounted the unexpected spiritual dimensions of the day, including an encounter with the Olúfọ̀n of Ifon-Osun, whose throne is associated with the first son of Ọ̀bàtálá. According to her reflection:
“As I approached Your Majesty, another unexpected experience unfolded. Seated beside Your Majesty was the Olúfọ̀n, whose throne, according to the ancestral tradition, is associated with the first son of Ọ̀bàtálá… As I approached, I experienced the onset of trance. The only word that came from my mouth was: Ọ̀BÀTÁLÁ!… The Olúfọ̀n intervened by placing his hand upon my forehead. For me, this was not merely a physical gesture. I understood it as a spiritual acknowledgement and blessing.”
She noted that the spontaneous presence of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, and a representative of the Institute of Cultural Studies, who accompanied her to receive the award, was unplanned but deeply symbolic.
“What appeared to be an ordinary royal award presentation had become, in my experience, an encounter involving the physical and spiritual dimensions of cultural heritage.”
Erelu Túnwàṣẹ offered her profound gratitude to Oba Arowotawaya II, stating: “Your Majesty acknowledged my work. In my understanding, the unexpected events of yesterday also acknowledged the significance of yours.”
She concluded with traditional royal blessings for the monarch: “Kábíyèsí o Ade Yio Pe Lori Bata Yio Pe Lese… Aje yio fi ile yin se ibugbe… Animo owo animo ifokanbale.”
Why It Matters
The Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival is a powerful reminder that in Nigeria, culture is not merely a relic of the past, but a living, breathing engine for economic and social development.
By commemorating 926 years of royal heritage, Oba Arowotawaya II is doing what many modern institutions fail to do: preserving institutional memory. The history of Obalufon Alayemore and Agidanyinmosa is not just a story for historians; it is the foundational identity of the Erinmo people.
However, the monarch’s call for UNESCO recognition and government support is strategic and necessary. Across Africa, many indigenous festivals are dying out due to a lack of funding, poor documentation, and the failure of governments to integrate them into national tourism frameworks. If Agidanyin is to reach its full potential as a global tourism destination, it requires the infrastructure, security, and international advocacy that only the government and bodies like UNESCO can provide.
Furthermore, the convergence of the Olubadan, the Owa Obokun, and other prominent monarchs is a testament to the enduring unity of the Yoruba race. In a country often divided along ethnic and religious lines, the sight of these revered traditional rulers celebrating together in Erinmo-Ijesa sends a powerful message of solidarity and mutual respect.
The unveiling of the ‘Abedagidi’ ancestral drink is also a brilliant stroke of cultural entrepreneurship. It opens up avenues for local manufacturing, branding, and export, proving that traditional heritage can be commercialised without losing its sacred essence.
Erelu Túnwàṣẹ’s testimony adds a profound spiritual dimension to the celebration. It highlights that for many Africans, cultural heritage is not just about dances and costumes; it is a living connection to the ancestral world, a reality that must be respected and preserved alongside the physical monuments of the kingdom.
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