Ijebu Regent restores Awujale-Agemo ties after seven years of estrangement

Michael Olumide Alabi

The Regent of Ijebuland and Adele Oba, Olor’Ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, has announced the restoration of cordial relations between the Awujale Palace and the Agemo traditional institution, bringing to an end years of estrangement that had affected one of Ijebuland’s most revered cultural traditions.

The reconciliation, which unfolded during this year’s Agemo Festival, marks a historic milestone as representatives of the Agemo traditional institution formally returned to the Awujale Palace to pay homage following the conclusion of the annual festival.

The renewed relationship comes after years of strained ties between the Agemo institution and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

Although the late monarch consistently approved and supported the annual Agemo Festival, he stopped personally receiving Agemo representatives or participating in festival activities after disagreements arose between both parties.

As a result, while the sacred rites at Imosan continued uninterrupted, the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode was suspended for about seven years.

Speaking with journalists from Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, shortly after receiving Agemo representatives at the Awujale Palace on Saturday, Dr. Kuku described the visit as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, forgiveness and renewed unity in Ijebuland.

He explained that the Agemo Festival remains one of the oldest and most respected traditional festivals in Ijebuland and is celebrated annually with the approval of the Awujale, who serves as the custodian of the ancient tradition.

According to him, after completing a week-long series of sacred rituals, sacrifices, processions and visits to important shrines and sacred locations across Ijebuland, the Agemo groups traditionally return to the palace to pay homage to the Awujale.

“You know the most celebrated festival in Ijebu is the Agemo Festival. That is the traditional customary festival that has been there since eternity.

“They have been out for the last week, and they’ve performed all the rites they need to perform. They’ve danced, they’ve eaten, and they’ve visited sacred places.

“The Agemo is a festival of the Awujale, and they have done it with the consent of the Awujale. If he says it cannot be done, it will not be done,” he said.

Dr. Kuku, who currently presides over the Council of the Awujale during the interregnum following the demise of Oba Adetona, said he received the Agemo representatives alongside members of the Adele Council on behalf of the vacant throne.

“So after they finished yesterday, they came today to thank the Awujale. I, as the Adele, received them along with members of the Adele Council. They came to perform that function today,” he stated.

The Regent noted that the decision to welcome the Agemo institution back to the palace was a deliberate effort to heal old wounds and foster lasting peace across Ijebuland.

He recalled that before the passing of the late Awujale, the monarch had withdrawn from participating in Agemo festivities after feeling offended by the conduct of the institution, despite continuing to permit and support the celebration.

“If we recall, before the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, he stopped gracing the festival because they offended him and Ijebuland, despite supporting and allowing them their activities.

“We, as a council, said it is time to settle problems. We want peace to come and Agemo, being the foremost traditional masquerade, we want peace to go through there too,” he said.

According to Dr. Kuku, the reconciliation contributed significantly to what many regarded as one of the most successful editions of the Agemo Festival in recent years.

“That’s why they are so happy. This year’s Agemo was one of the best ever,” he added.

Drawing comparisons with this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, which was successfully held despite the passing of the late monarch, the Regent stressed that the traditions and cultural heritage of Ijebuland remain bigger than any individual who occupies the throne.

“The monarch is gone, but the culture and tradition stand. It was celebrated in his name until somebody else is elected, selected or chosen,” he said.

Dr. Kuku disclosed that the Agemo representatives visited the palace not only to express gratitude for the reconciliation but also to seek assurance that the restored relationship would continue in the years ahead.

“The king in absentia has forgiven them. The throne has forgiven them, and they have once again been brought back into society.

“Forgiveness is the way forward. That is the only way we can unite and propel peace in Ijebuland.

“That was why they came today to show gratitude and respect for the grace given, as well as asking if the grace extends till next year, and we have assured them of our willingness to work with them pending the time we have a new Awujale,” he said.

Dr. Kuku assumed leadership of Ijebuland following the death of the long-reigning Awujale, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on July 13, 2025. As Regent and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, he currently exercises executive traditional authority over the kingdom while overseeing the transition process leading to the emergence of a new Awujale from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

This year’s Agemo Festival was particularly significant as it was the first to be celebrated after the passing of the late Awujale and the first in seven years to witness the return of the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode.

Many residents and cultural stakeholders have described the development as a landmark moment for Ijebuland, symbolising reconciliation, continuity, forgiveness and the preservation of one of the kingdom’s most cherished cultural traditions.