By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Ahead of the 2025 Iyake Festival, the Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, paid a royal visit to the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, reaffirming their age-long ancestral bond as both monarchs pledged stronger cultural collaboration
Iyake Festival 2025: Alado of Ado-Awaye Reaffirms Ancestral Ties to Ota as Olota Pledges Full Support
In a grand show of heritage and unity, the Alado of Ado-Awaye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, Makuledoye II (Asoludero I), paid a royal visit to the Olota of Ota, His Majesty Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode Olofin Apesin Olode), ahead of the much-anticipated Iyake Festival 2025.
According to a statement by Prince Niyi Okunade, Principal Secretary to the Alado of Ado-Awaye, the visit was part of ongoing engagements leading up to this year’s Iyake International Festival.
Historically, Ota is the maternal home of Obakoyi, the progenitor of the Ado people in Ado-Awaye, located in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State. Obakoyi’s father, Alaafin Oluaso, was the 7th Alaafin of Oyo, while his mother hailed from Ota, establishing a deep ancestral link between both ancient towns.
Receiving the Alado and his entourage in his palace, Oba Obalanlege expressed immense joy over the royal visit. The atmosphere was vibrant as the Baapitan of Ota, High Chief Kayode Odunsi, and members of the Olota Traditional Council joined in welcoming their royal guest.
In his address, the Baapitan recounted the historical and maternal bonds between Ota and Ado-Awaye — ties often dismissed by some as folklore.
In his response, Oba Folakanmi thanked the Olota and his chiefs for the warm reception, describing the visit as “highly historical.”
“I was shocked by the number of people gathered here to welcome me,” he said. “This visit goes beyond Kabiyesi Olota’s special invitation to the Iyake International Festival 2025. It is a reaffirmation of our bloodline connection.”
The Alado elaborated on how Arugba Ifa, an Ota woman, married Alaafin Oluaso and gave birth to Obakoyi, who later founded Ile Ado atop the famous Ado mountain after losing the Alaafinate to his younger stepbrother, Onigbogi.
“That is why I always say, ‘Omobinrin Ota, Omo Ota naa ni’ — I am the child of an Ota woman, therefore I am home,” the monarch declared to resounding applause.
While presenting a formal invitation to the Olota and members of his council, Oba Folakanmi emphasized that the 2025 edition of the Iyake Festival is not just a cultural celebration but also a renewal of ancestral ties between Ota and Ado-Awaye.
“This invitation is a reminder of our shared heritage. Ota remains a key stakeholder in the success and development of the Iyake Festival,” the Alado said.
In a cheerful response, Oba Obalanlege corroborated the Alado’s historical account, noting that the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, had once confirmed the same lineage connection.
“I am glad that my people who once doubted this history have now heard it directly from the horse’s mouth,” the Olota remarked.
The Olota pledged his full support and attendance at the forthcoming festival, promising to lead his chiefs to Ado-Awaye.
“We will join the hiking programme on Friday, November 21, and stay over for the grand finale on Saturday, November 22,” he assured.
As preparations for the Iyake Festival 2025 intensify, the royal visit has reignited cultural pride and strengthened the age-long ties between Ota and Ado-Awaye, setting the stage for a historic celebration of unity, heritage, and tradition. Read More
