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 characterised the reign of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The reconciliation came as representatives of the Agemo traditional institution paid a courtesy visit to the Awujale Palace on Saturday after the conclusion of the 2026 Agemo Festival, marking their formal return to the palace to pay homage following years of absence.
Speaking with journalists after receiving the Agemo representatives alongside members of the Adele Council, Dr. Kuku described the visit as a symbol of reconciliation, forgiveness and renewed unity in Ijebuland.
He explained that the Agemo Festival remains one of the oldest and most revered traditional festivals in Ijebuland and is celebrated annually with the approval of the Awujale, who serves as the custodian of the tradition.
“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 one 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 on the consent of the Awujale. If he says it cannot be done, it will not be done,” he said.
Dr. Kuku, who currently heads the Council of the Awujale during the interregnum, said the Agemo representatives returned to appreciate the throne after completing the week-long traditional rites across various parts of Ijebuland.
“So after they finished yesterday, they now 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 added.
The regent disclosed that the decision to welcome the Agemo institution back to the palace was a deliberate move by the council to heal old wounds and strengthen unity within the kingdom.
He recalled that although the late Oba Adetona continued to approve the annual Agemo Festival throughout his reign, he stopped personally attending or receiving the Agemo groups after disagreements between both parties.
According to him, while the sacred rites at Imosan continued uninterrupted, the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode was suspended for about seven years because of the strained relationship.
“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.
The regent noted that the reconciliation contributed 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 said.
Drawing a parallel with this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, which was successfully held despite the passing of the late monarch, Dr. Kuku stressed that the cultural heritage of Ijebuland remained stronger than any individual occupant of 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 stated.
He disclosed that the Agemo representatives also sought assurances that the renewed relationship would endure beyond this year’s festival.
“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 late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on July 13, 2025. As Regent and head of the Awujale Council during the interregnum, he is overseeing the kingdom’s traditional affairs pending the selection of a new Awujale by the kingmakers from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The 2026 Agemo Festival was the first to be celebrated after the passing of the late monarch and also the first in seven years to witness the return of the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode, a development widely regarded as a major milestone in preserving the cultural heritage and unity of Ijebuland.
