His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1), the Olubadan of Ibadanland has called for unity, love and mutual understanding among traditional rulers in Yourubaland in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
The call was made during the 2026 Agidanyin Founder’s Day Festival Celebration at Erinmo-Ijesa in Osun State on Saturday 7th November, 2026 where Oba Ladoja attended as the Grand Royal Father of the day and the Special Guest of Honour.
Oba Ladoja further reminded traditional rulers to see themselves as the custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, adding that they should do all in their powers to promote and preserve Yoruba traditional and cultural values to prevent it from going into extinction.
The former Senator of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, former Governor of Oyo State and 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland who is also the present Chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs commended the Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi. Arowotawaya ll for the unprecedented achievements recorded within the short period of his reign, adding that the traditional rulers should emulate and replicate his laudable achievements.
Earlier in his Royal welcome address Elerinmo said this year’s Agidanyin celebration featured several activities that reflect the richness of Erinmo cultural heritage, including the traditional meat feast, annual iwure led by Araba, baba Elebubon, royal prayers, Arowotawaya Recognition Awards, traditional homage and other colorful cultural displays
According to Elerinmo-Ijesa, the history of Erinmo-Ijesa is deeply rooted and connected to Ooni Obalufon Alayemore who was traditionally associated with the founding of Erinmo around. 110 AD.
Agidanyin, according to Elerinmo, was remembered as the warrior son of Obalufon Alayemore and the first king of Erinmo which occupied a special place in the ancestral history of Erinmo-Ijesa and should be seen as cultural asset with enormous potential for tourism, economic development, employment generation and international cultural heritage
Oba Michael Ajayi sought the support of the Federal Government and Osun State Government in facilitating the process towards securing UNESCO cultural heritage recognition for the Agidanyin Festival.
The celebrant said there is a need for constitutional recognition and more clearly defined role for traditional rulers in Nigeria.
“My vision is to see an Erinmo where our cultural heritage is preserved, our youths are empowered, our children have access to quality education, our people enjoy economic opportunities and our traditional values continue to command respect”, the monarch concluded.
Oba Michael warmly appreciated the presence of Oba Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the grand traditional Royal Father of the day and the Special Guest of Honour, Owa Obokun; the Grand Royal Host.
Other dignitaries at the occasion were Hon. Barrister Nathaniel Agunbiade who welcomed all the guests, Elerin of Erin-Osun Olojudo of Ido-Oko, Olufon of Ifon-Osun, other traditional rulers, distinguished community leaders, captains of industries, illustrious sons and daughters of Erinmo-Ijesa among many others.