Olubadan Accepts Invitation To Agidanyin Festival, Reiterates Call For Constitutional Roles For Traditional Rulers
By ROTAMediaNews Correspondent, Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has formally accepted an invitation to attend the 2026 Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival in Erinmo-Ijesa, Osun State, scheduled for Saturday, 7th November 2026.
The acceptance was conveyed in a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Solomon Ayoade, on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Friday.
Oba Ladoja described the visit of the Elerinmo as a welcome development expected among traditional rulers to further cement the existing cordial and mutual relationship among monarchs .
Renewed Call for Constitutional Recognition
The paramount ruler used the occasion to reiterate his longstanding advocacy for constitutionally defined roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria, arguing that formal recognition would enable them to discharge their responsibilities more effectively.
Oba Ladoja admonished traditional rulers in Yorubaland, in particular, and Nigeria as a whole, to unite, promote mutual understanding and respect, and jointly move the country forward.
The monarch has consistently pushed for this constitutional reform. In February 2026, during a visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he argued that a clearly defined constitutional role would strengthen governance and foster harmony between traditional institutions and government.
Elerinmo Expresses Gratitude
Presenting the invitation letter to the Olubadan, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi (Arowotawaya II), expressed profound appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him during his visit to the Olubadan’s palace.
“Spending time in your presence was not only a great honour but also a deeply memorable experience. Your humility, wisdom, generosity and fatherly disposition continue to demonstrate why you are held in such high esteem by the people and why your reign commands such profound respect,” Oba Ajayi said.
“I am particularly grateful to Your Majesty for graciously accepting my invitation to attend Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival in Erinmo, which brings tremendous joy to me and my people. I eagerly look forward to receiving Your Imperial Majesty with the deserved honour befitting your exalted throne,” he added.
Festival Significance
The Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival is an important traditional celebration commemorating the enduring legacy of Agidanyinmosa, the warrior son of Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, who was the first King of Erinmo . Erinmo-Ijesa was founded in approximately 1100 AD and is home to the world-renowned spiritually potent mountain, Ori-Oke Erinmo.
The festival celebrates ancestral heritage, promotes the values handed down by forebears, and strengthens the bonds of unity, peace and fellowship among the people . Over the years, the festival has attracted distinguished traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, as well as numerous prominent traditional rulers from Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Kwara and Kogi States.
A major highlight of the 2026 celebration will be the royal presence of the Olubadan as the Grand Royal Father of the Day, alongside other distinguished traditional rulers, chiefs, cultural leaders and eminent guests from across Ijesaland, Osun State and beyond.
Prayers and Blessings
In his closing remarks, Oba Ajayi offered prayers for the Olubadan, saying: “Baba, may Almighty God continue to preserve you, grant you long life in sound health, abundant wisdom and strength, and continue to bless your reign with peace, honour and accomplishments.”
He further prayed that the Olubadan throne would “continue to stand as a beacon of unity, wisdom, culture and progress” and that generations would continue to benefit from Oba Ladoja’s wealth of experience and quality leadership.
Festival Details:
Date: Saturday, 7th November 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. prompt
Venue: Elerinmo Palace Foyer, Erinmo-Ijesa
© ROTA Media Concepts 2026
