By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, paid a historic visit to his maternal hometown, Otta, reaffirming the ancestral bond between Ado Awaye and Otta—the home of Arugba Ifa Otta and the origins of the sacred Iyake Lake
Historic Visit: Alado of Ado Awaye Returns to His Maternal Roots in Otta, Rekindles Centuries-Old Ancestral Connection
In a colourful and history-laden ceremony, the Alado of Ancient Ado Awaye, His Royal Majesty Oba Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi (Makuledoye II, Asoludero I), on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, paid a momentous visit to his maternal hometown, Otta, in Ogun State — a visit that reaffirmed the deep ancestral bond between the people of Ado Awaye and the ancient Awori Kingdom of Otta.
Oba Folakanmi was warmly received by the Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode, Olofin Apesin Olode), at the Ipeti Royal Square of the Olota’s Palace, Enu Owa, Otta, alongside other eminent royal fathers, high chiefs, and dignitaries.
The Alado described the visit as a heartfelt homecoming, narrating the profound ancestral ties linking Ado Awaye to Otta through Arugba Ifa Otta, a revered matriarch in Yoruba history. He traced the lineage to Koyi, the son of Arugba Ifa Otta and Alaafin Oluaso, the 7th Alaafin of Oyo.
Principal Secretary to His Majesty, Olota of the Ancient Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, made this known in a statement made available to newsheadline247.
According to Olusesi, the monarch said, “After the passing of Alaafin Oluaso, his younger son, Olugbogi, ascended the throne of Oyo. Koyi, displeased with the development, embarked on a journey to return to his mother’s homeland, Otta. Along the way, he settled in what is now Ado Awaye and became the first Alado.”
The monarch also revealed the origins of the legendary Iyake Lake, one of only two suspended lakes in the world, located in Ado Awaye. “According to oral tradition, a woman of Otta descent, in defiance against ridicule, transformed into the sacred lake. Since then, Iyake has become both a spiritual and tourist attraction renowned for its mystery and miraculous power,” he said.
The Alado used the occasion to formally invite the Olota of Otta to serve as Chairman and Royal Guest at the upcoming Ado Awaye Day and Iyake Lake Celebration, scheduled for November 21–22, 2025.
In his response, the Olota of Otta, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, expressed immense joy at hosting the Alado, describing the visit as a validation of Otta’s deep-rooted historical connection to Oyo and Ado Awaye.
Kabiyesi noted that the visit was divinely timed, coinciding with the ongoing “Eta” phase of the globally renowned Otta Egungun Festival, which continues into 2026.
“When I visited the late Alaafin Adeyemi Iku Baba Yeye, he confirmed the deep historical links between Otta and Oyo. However, when I echoed these connections, some misinterpreted it as distortion and a quest for paramountcy,” Olota said.
He thanked Eledumare for affirming the truth through the Alado’s visit and pledged his commitment to strengthening the bond between the ancient kingdoms. “This visit marks a new dawn for unity, shared heritage, and mutual respect among our people,” he added.
The Alado’s visit was received with grandeur, as prominent Otta traditional rulers and chiefs joined the Olota in welcoming their royal guest.
Among those present were: Oba Clement Akinyemi (Ajana of Otta), Oba Akeem Odunaro (Onikotun of Otta), Oba Wadudu Deinde (Akogun Oloruba of Otta), High Chief Olarenwaju Bashorun (Seriki of Otta), High Chief Oyedele Deinde (Oluwo of Otta), High Chief Bamisaiye Fadipe (Aro of Otta), High Chief Oladele Adeniji (Odota of Otta), High Chief Rufiat Ojugbele-Mathew (Iyalode of Otta), High Chief Kayode Odunsi (Baapitan of Otta), and High Chief Iyabo Ahmed (Yeye Iwase of Otta).
Also in attendance were members of the Otta Awori Cultural Development Committee, led by Omooba Adewale Adeyanju, Baale Mugba, Baale Sikiru Bankole, Araba Fasola Faniyi, Chief Rafiu Bakare (Akeweje of Otta), Omooba Adefolarin Ojugbele (President, Otta Youth Assembly), Elder Lamidi (Arugba Ifa Otta), and several other community leaders.
The historic visit reaffirmed the centuries-old kinship between Otta and Ado Awaye, uniting both communities in shared history, faith, and culture. The event concluded with traditional chants in Yoruba that echoed the timeless connection:
“Aje le l’Ado, Osalo sí Otta,
Ẹyẹ le l’Ado o, Osalo sí Otta,
Akiyeye o mọ pé Aye yeye l’Ota.”
