He reassured all egungun adherents of his unwavering support for preserving and promoting Otta’s rich cultural heritage
Olota of Ota Lifts Suspension on Egungun, Activities Set to Resume
The Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalange, has lifted the suspension on Egungun festivities in Ota, signalling the return of its traditional activities.
This decision follows a pivotal meeting with key members of the Itimoko family, widely known as one of the significant custodians of the Egungun tradition in the ancient town.
Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, the Principal Secretary to the respected Awori monarch, shared this update in a statement provided to newsheadline247.
Recall that Olota had previously announced the suspension of the egungun activities due to ongoing internal conflicts among the traditional stakeholders.
In the statement, Olusesi informed that the Itimoko family offered an apology on behalf of the Egungun practitioners in Ottaland, acknowledging a misstep in failing to inform the Olota before their involvement in activities that led to a recent incident.
The community looks forward to the revival of Egungun practices as a vital part of Ota’s rich cultural heritage.
Here is the full statement below;
Olota Lifts Suspension: Egungun Activities Set to Resume in Otta
The delegation of the Itimoko Family, the leading custodians of the Egungun tradition in ancient Ottaland, met with His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D., MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode), Olofin Apesin Olode, Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Ottaland, to address pressing concerns surrounding Egungun activities, particularly the recent suspension imposed on adherents.
The delegation, comprising Alhaji Yaya Dada, Hon. Waliu Olajide Ojuko, Alani Sangodeyi, Alhaji Maroof Fatusi Oloponda, and Lukmon Salako convened at Ipeti Royal Square on February 24, 2025, to deliberate on the matter with His Majesty.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Alhaji Maroof Oloponda expressed profound gratitude to Kabiyesi Olota for his decisive action following the unfortunate incident involving Egungun on December 27, 2024. He outlined the corrective measures the family has implemented to prevent future occurrences and enhance coordination.
He also tendered an apology on behalf of the Egungun adherents, acknowledging their oversight in failing to notify His Majesty before embarking on activities that led to the incident.
He assured that the family would intensify engagements with the Agba Oje (both male and female) and other key stakeholders within the Egungun community to instill discipline and establish clear guidelines for their movements and operations, should the suspension be lifted.
Furthermore, he emphasized that, going forward, the Palace would always be duly informed before any Egungun processions, performances, or public appearances, in line with long-standing tradition.
In response, His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, commended the Itimoko Family for their steadfast commitment to preserving the Egungun tradition, which transcends religious affiliations. Acknowledging their proactive steps, Kabiyesi officially lifted the suspension, expressing confidence in the delegation’s commitment to ensuring discipline and improved organization among Egungun adherents.
As part of the resolution, it was declared that only the existing registered Egungun Alagbaada would be maintained, and no new Alagbaada would be permitted at the moment to enhance coordination and adherence to tradition.
His Majesty reassured all Egungun adherents of his unwavering support for preserving and promoting Otta’s rich cultural heritage. He reiterated the importance of sustaining Otta’s revered status as the Mecca of Egungun.
The Palace urges all stakeholders to uphold these resolutions and work collectively to ensure that the Egungun tradition thrives in an organized and disciplined manner in alignment with Otta’s cultural values and historical significance. A detailed resolution will be communicated to the Egungun leadership in due course.
Kabiyesi Oje ooOoo!
Signed:
Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi
Principal Secretary to His Majesty and Omotobase of Ottaland
