The Natural Father of the Yoruba race, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has narrated the historical significance and origin of the Ita Ijero Festival, describing it as a historic meeting point where the sons of Oduduwa converged in the ancient past to deliberate on the distribution of crowns by their father, Oduduwa.
Ooni disclosed this on Friday, August 21, 2026, while addressing sons and daughters of Ijero Ekiti during the 2026 edition of the Ita Ijero Festival.
According to the monarch, the location where the sons of Oduduwa traditionally gathered to deliberate on matters concerning the collection of crowns from their father, Oduduwa, is today known as Ita Ijero. He explained that the ancient seats used during the historic gathering, as well as the original meeting point, are still preserved in Ile-Ife to this day.
“Indeed, when Baba Ajero ascended the throne of his forefathers, he expressed his aspiration to undertake a great project that would bring all the sons and daughters together at a common meeting point. We brought out the ancient seats to the meeting point and prayed with them. Baba Ajero even wanted to take the seats back to Ijero,” Ooni narrated.
Ooni further described the festival as a powerful symbol of the enduring historical, cultural and ancestral bond between Ile-Ife and Ijero Ekiti, noting that preserving such traditions remains essential to strengthening the unity and shared heritage of the Yoruba people.
The monarch also commended individuals who contributed financially to the success of the festival. He particularly appreciated the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, popularly known as MOB, for his generous contribution of N15 million, while Ajisafe donated N20 million.
The Ooni of Ife, in demonstration of his personal commitment to the preservation and celebration of Yoruba history and cultural heritage, also made a donation of N15 million to support the 2026 Ita Ijero Festival.
