Ise-Se celebration: Baale of New Oko-Oba advocates unity, cultural preservation

Michael Olumide Alabi

Baale of New Oko-Oba, High Chief (Prince) Ajibola Arowolo, has urged Yoruba men and women, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to rediscover and understand their traditional roots and cultural heritage.

Arowolo, who is also the Oloriebi of the Olarookun Family, made the call while speaking with journalists on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the reception marking the 2026 Ise-Se Day celebration at Social Club Road, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

The traditional ruler described Ise-Se as an important Yoruba cultural tradition inherited from their ancestors and forefathers, stressing that the celebration provided an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their history, heritage and traditional institutions.

According to him, every Yoruba man and woman, whether Christian or Muslim, has a traditional source and ancestry that should be understood and preserved.

“Ise-Se is purely a Yoruba tradition celebrated across Yoruba land. It is a significant event inherited from our ancestors and forefathers,” he said.

The Baale expressed delight that the government had given greater recognition to Ise-Se celebrations, saying the development would help promote awareness and appreciation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

He explained that the celebration traditionally involved prayers and sacrifices, which he said were intended to seek peace, progress and well-being for the people and their communities.

Arowolo commended the Lagos State Government for recognising Ise-Se and providing an opportunity for the people to celebrate their cultural heritage.

He urged traditional and community leaders across various constituencies and zones to organise their people responsibly and ensure that celebrations were conducted in accordance with government rules and guidelines.

The traditional ruler said such an approach would promote peace, happiness and unity during the annual celebration.

He also expressed excitement over the large turnout of residents and traditional leaders at the event, describing the participation as an indication of the people’s growing interest in preserving their cultural heritage.

Arowolo encouraged Yoruba people, both men and women, to learn more about their ancestry and cultural origins.

He said understanding one’s cultural background would contribute to a better appreciation of Yoruba history and traditions.

The celebration attracted several Baales and community leaders who joined Arowolo and members of the Olarookun family at the event.

The occasion featured traditional music, dancing and cultural displays, with men and women singing and celebrating in different Yoruba dialects.

Popular musicians also entertained the guests, while stage performers praised and acknowledged dignitaries and members of the community.

Lawyer Commends Baale

Also present at the celebration was Otunba Remi Adeoye, a lawyer to the Baale of New Oko-Oba and the Olarookun Family of Orile-Agege.

Adeoye commended Arowolo for the successful organisation of the celebration, describing the event as a remarkable achievement considering that preparations were completed within less than a week.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of the Baale, noting that as a relatively new traditional ruler, Arowolo had demonstrated commitment to the development and wellbeing of the community.

Speaking on behalf of the Baale, Adeoye expressed optimism that the traditional ruler would unveil new development initiatives and projects in the community before the next Ise-Se celebration.

He assured residents that, with God’s grace, the people of New Oko-Oba and the wider Olarookun community would experience meaningful development and enjoy the benefits of the Baale’s leadership.

The event ended with cultural performances, music, dancing and prayers, as residents and guests celebrated the 2026 Ise-Se Day in an atmosphere of joy and communal fellowship.