IROLU REMO, OGUN STATE — The 2026 edition of the annual Agan-un Festival in Irolu Remo was celebrated in grand style, bringing together royal fathers, senior government officials, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, political leaders, women leaders, community stakeholders, descendants of the Urenfuwa/Gbeleshe lineage, and sons and daughters of Irolu from across Nigeria and the diaspora in a colourful display of cultural heritage, unity and communal solidarity.
Chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Mesturah Shittu, the festival transcended the traditional celebration of cultural identity to become a strategic platform for promoting community development, attracting government intervention, encouraging private-sector partnerships, and strengthening the relationship between Irolu and its development partners. The gathering also reaffirmed the town's commitment to inclusiveness, peace, security and sustainable development, demonstrating that Irolu Remo remains open to all individuals and institutions willing to contribute meaningfully to its progress.
The atmosphere was particularly uplifting, with the joy and satisfaction evident on the face of His Royal Highness, Oba Sikiru Adeyilo Adeyiga, the Onirolu of Irolu, reflecting the significance of this year's celebration. The festival reinforced the message that Irolu belongs to all its sons and daughters, irrespective of political affiliations, personal interests or social standing.
Beyond its cultural significance, the occasion presented an opportunity for the community to communicate its readiness to embrace development initiatives from the government, corporate organisations, private investors and well-meaning individuals. The peaceful gathering also showcased Irolu's welcoming disposition and its determination to sustain an environment where the security of lives and property remains a collective priority.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the 2026 Agan-un Festival was the commencement of a landmark development project initiated by His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, the Akarigbo of Remoland and Permanent Ruler of Remoland, for the construction of a palace pavilion valued at over ₦500 million.
The project represents a significant milestone in the continuing development of traditional institutions and the preservation of Remoland's cultural heritage. Beyond its architectural and ceremonial importance, the proposed pavilion is expected to strengthen the
capacity of the traditional institution to host important cultural gatherings, royal engagements and community activities. Its commencement during the Agan-un Festival further underscored the importance of traditional leadership in advancing cultural preservation and community development.
The project also added a new dimension to this year's celebration, reinforcing the belief that cultural festivals can serve as important avenues for unveiling development initiatives, mobilising community support and inspiring further investment in the local government.
The festival attracted a distinguished assembly of government officials, political leaders, traditional representatives, women leaders and community stakeholders whose presence demonstrated the importance of Irolu within the wider Remo political, cultural and social landscape.
Among the dignitaries were Hon. Jamiu Mohammad Asimi, Executive Chairman of Ikenne Local Government; Mr. Ifetayo Ifede, Secretary of Ikenne Local Government; Hon. Segun Ogunleye, former
Executive Chairman of Ikenne Local Government; Prince Wale Oyekoya, Senior Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State; Hon. Adebisi Sibesibe; and Hon. Funmilayo Efuwape, APC candidate for the Federal House of Representatives for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.
Also in attendance was Hon. Seyi Odumuyiwa, APC candidate for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Ikenne Constituency, alongside Comr. Omolara Sansa, a member of the Finance Committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
The gathering was further honoured by the presence of Princess Abioye Philips, former Vice Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, whose participation added to the distinguished representation of women in public service and community leadership.
Also present was Hon. Citizen from Sagamu, alongside other political associates, community representatives and stakeholders who joined in celebrating Irolu's cultural heritage and supporting the aspirations of the community.
The Ikenne Local Government women leaders were also recognised among the important participants at the festival. Their presence underscored the significant role women continue to play in grassroots mobilisation, cultural preservation, community development and the promotion of unity across Remoland.
Furthermore, the festival acknowledged the Urenfuwa/Gbeleshe Descendants, whose ancestral connections and participation formed part of the wider celebration of Irolu's lineage, identity and cultural heritage. Their inclusion reflected the importance of recognising ancestral roots and preserving the historical relationships that bind families and communities together.
Other notable personalities included Colonel Dele Oyefuga
and representatives of the Pillars of Ikenne, who attended in a spirit of solidarity and communal fellowship.
The presence of these personalities added prestige to the celebration and created an atmosphere conducive to conversations about the future of Irolu Remo. Their participation also highlighted the potential of traditional festivals to bring together public officeholders, political stakeholders, women leaders, descendants of historic lineages and community representatives around shared aspirations for peace, progress and development.
In her remarks, the chairperson, Hon. (Dr.) Mesturah Shittu, expressed profound appreciation to the executives of the Irolu Development Association for entrusting her with the responsibility and honour of chairing the 2026 Agan-un Festival.
She described the opportunity as a privilege and a call to service, emphasising that the festival should not merely be viewed as an annual cultural gathering but also as a platform for mobilising the people, strengthening community relationships and opening new channels for development partnerships.
Dr. Shittu explained that her vision was to use the festival to attract greater attention to Irolu Remo, encourage self-development among its people and create opportunities for meaningful government intervention. She stressed that sustainable community advancement requires collaboration among traditional institutions, government authorities, development associations, private investors and individuals committed to the welfare of their communities.
She further disclosed that the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun,
has a strong interest in the development of towns across Remoland, with particular attention to Irolu Remo. According to her, development interventions are expected to emerge from the state's established programmes and development plans, rather than being tied to political campaigns or partisan considerations.
Her assurance conveyed a clear message that Irolu Remo would not be neglected in the progressive development agenda of the Ogun State Government. She encouraged the people to remain united, proactive and receptive to opportunities that could improve their collective well being.
The chairperson emphasised that the festival represented an important step towards opening Irolu further to government attention, attracting development opportunities and protecting the town's long-term interests. She maintained that the community must demonstrate readiness for progress by embracing unity, peaceful coexistence, self-improvement and constructive engagement with relevant authorities.
Her position reflected a broader development philosophy: communities must not only expect government intervention but also organise themselves, identify their priorities and establish productive relationships with institutions capable of supporting their aspirations.
She also stressed that Irolu's development should be approached as a collective responsibility, requiring the active participation of its sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.
The participation of Princess Abioye Philips, the Ikenne Local Government women leaders and other female stakeholders reinforced the importance of women's involvement in community affairs and grassroots development.
Their presence highlighted the contributions of women to public service, social mobilisation, cultural continuity and the promotion of peaceful relationships among community members. It also demonstrated the value of bringing together experienced public figures, grassroots leaders and traditional stakeholders to advance shared development objectives.
Similarly, the recognition of the Urenfuwa/Gbeleshe Descendants underscored the significance of ancestral identity in sustaining Irolu's cultural heritage. By bringing descendants and community members together, the festival provided an opportunity to strengthen family ties, preserve historical traditions and encourage younger generations to appreciate their roots.
The participation of individuals and groups from Ikenne and Sagamu likes of D-PILLARS of Ikenne supported the development of the town through Dr. Mesturah Foundation and other parts of Remoland further demonstrated the interconnectedness of communities across the region and the importance of collective responsibility in promoting cultural preservation and sustainable development.
Beyond the official engagements and development discussions, the 2026 Agan-un Festival remained a memorable celebration of Irolu's rich cultural identity and ancestral heritage.
Sons and daughters of Irolu travelled from different parts of Nigeria and across the world to participate in the festival, reconnect with their roots and demonstrate their enduring commitment to the progress of their hometown. Their presence reinforced the importance of cultural festivals in sustaining intergenerational relationships, preserving indigenous traditions and strengthening the emotional bonds that unite communities across geographical boundaries.
The celebration was further enlivened by captivating musical performances, including the timeless traditional sounds associated with Alhaji Haruna Ishola and the Soyoyo musical tradition. The entertainment added colour, excitement and nostalgia to the gathering, creating an atmosphere in which cultural pride and communal happiness took centre stage.
The festival offered a valuable reminder that cultural heritage remains an important resource for social cohesion, tourism development and community identity. By bringing together people of different generations, professional backgrounds, ancestral lineages and political persuasions, Agan-un 2026 demonstrated how traditional celebrations can promote unity while creating opportunities for economic and social advancement.
The 2026 Agan-un Festival will be remembered not only for its grandeur, distinguished attendance and celebration of cultural heritage, but also for the renewed emphasis on development, inclusiveness and strategic engagement with government and private-sector partners.
Under the chairmanship of Dr. Mesturah Shittu, the occasion provided a platform for reaffirming Irolu's readiness to embrace meaningful development initiatives while preserving its cultural identity and traditional values. The commencement of the over ₦500 million palace pavilion project further distinguished the year's celebration, adding a tangible development milestone to its cultural significance.
As the festival brought together royal fathers, government officials, political stakeholders, women leaders, ancestral descendants, community leaders and members of the diaspora, it sent a compelling message that the future of Irolu Remo depends on unity of purpose, responsible leadership and the willingness of all stakeholders to contribute to the common good.
For Dr. Mesturah Shittu, the festival was more than an event to be celebrated; it was an opportunity to strengthen Irolu's visibility, promote its development priorities and position the community for greater engagement with the Ogun State Government and other development partners.
Agan-un 2026 has therefore reinforced a defining message: Irolu Remo is united in heritage, open to partnership, committed to peace and ready for sustainable development.
As the people look towards the future, the enduring hope is that the goodwill generated by this year's celebration will translate into practical development initiatives, stronger community institutions, improved opportunities for the people and a renewed commitment to building a more prosperous Irolu Remo for present and future generations.
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