By Peace Udugba
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 an end to years of estrangement that existed during the reign of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The reconciliation was formally marked during this year’s Agemo Festival, as representatives of the Agemo traditional institution returned to the Awujale Palace to pay homage following the conclusion of the annual festival.
The development is regarded as a major milestone in one of Ijebuland’s oldest cultural traditions and signals a renewed commitment to peace, unity and the preservation of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Although the late Oba Adetona continued to approve and support the annual Agemo Festival throughout his reign, he stopped personally attending or receiving Agemo representatives following disagreements between both parties. While the sacred rites at Imosan continued uninterrupted, the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode remained suspended for about seven years.
Speaking with journalists from Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Saturday after receiving Agemo representatives at the Awujale Palace, Dr. Kuku described the visit as a symbol of reconciliation, forgiveness and renewed unity in Ijebuland.
According to him, the Agemo Festival remains one of the oldest and most revered traditional festivals in Ijebuland and is held annually with the approval of the Awujale, who is the custodian of the tradition.
He explained that after a week-long period of rituals, sacrifices, processions and visits to sacred sites across Ijebuland, the various Agemo groups traditionally return to the palace to pay homage to the Awujale.
“The Agemo Festival is the foremost traditional festival in Ijebuland and has existed since time immemorial. After completing all the rites and traditional activities, they return to the palace to thank the Awujale because the festival is celebrated with the consent of the throne,” he said.
Dr. Kuku, who currently heads the Council of the Awujale during the interregnum, said he received the Agemo representatives alongside members of the Adele Council on behalf of the vacant throne.
He said the decision to welcome the Agemo institution back to the palace was aimed at healing longstanding divisions and fostering lasting peace within the kingdom.
“If we recall, before the passing of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, he stopped attending the festival because they offended him and Ijebuland, although he continued to permit and support their activities.
“As a council, we decided it was time to resolve the issues. We want peace in Ijebuland, and since Agemo is our foremost traditional institution, peace must begin there,” he said.
According to the regent, the reconciliation contributed to what many considered one of the most successful editions of the Agemo Festival in recent years.
He also drew parallels with this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, which was successfully held despite the passing of the late monarch, noting that the traditions and cultural heritage of Ijebuland transcend any individual occupant of the throne.
“The monarch is gone, but our culture and tradition remain. The festival was celebrated in his honour until a new Awujale is selected,” he stated.
Dr. Kuku disclosed that the Agemo representatives visited the palace to express gratitude for the reconciliation and sought assurances 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 welcomed back into the fold.
“Forgiveness is the only path to unity and lasting peace in Ijebuland. They came to thank us and ask whether this reconciliation would continue, and we assured them of our willingness to work with them until a new Awujale is installed,” he said.
Dr. Kuku assumed leadership of Ijebuland following the death of the late Awujale, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on July 13, 2025. As Regent and head of the Council of the Awujale during the interregnum, he currently oversees traditional affairs and the transition process leading to the selection of a new Awujale by the kingmakers from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
This year’s Agemo Festival was the first to be held after the passing of the late monarch and the first in seven years to witness the return of the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode. The event has been widely hailed as a significant cultural milestone, symbolising reconciliation, continuity and the preservation of one of Ijebuland’s most cherished traditions.
