Our Reporter
The Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele (BSA), on Thursday, joined the people of Imota, and the traditional institutions, to commemorate Isese Day 2026 in a colourful celebration of Yoruba culture, spirituality, tradition and heritage.
Hon. Benson Ayodele attended the celebration alongside the Vice Chairman of Imota LCDA, Princess Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh, members of the legislative arm led by the Leader of the House: Hon Oluwole Ademola Adeshina, the Secretary to the Local Government: Hon Mohammed Fagbesan, Supervisors, members of Hon Benson’s cabinet and other government officials, demonstrating the administration’s recognition of the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the people.
The event was graced by the Ranodu of Imota, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, Olufoworesete II, and the traditional chiefs within Imota, as well as members of the Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria and Overseas. Their presence added colour, dignity, and cultural significance to the celebration.
Addressing participants at the event, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele expressed his appreciation to the traditional institutions, organisers and members of the community for sustaining the annual celebration. He emphasised the importance of culture and tradition as essential components of the identity, history, and unity of the people.
The Chairman noted that the celebration of Isese provides an opportunity for the younger generation to learn, appreciate, and preserve the values, customs, and traditions inherited from their forebears. He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, cultural preservation, and community development.
In his royal remarks, the Ranodu of Imota acknowledged the importance of Isese Day as a platform for celebrating and preserving Yoruba heritage.
The natural ruler called on the people, particularly the younger generation, to remain connected to their cultural roots and uphold the values of respect, unity, peaceful coexistence, and communal responsibility.
Other traditional leaders who addressed the gathering including Chief Okulaja Gbenga Olusegun, the Eruwase Agemo Jamuse and the Chairman of Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria and overseas (AATREN) in Imota, equally highlighted the significance of preserving African cultural heritage, noting that culture remains a vital link between generations and an important instrument for maintaining the identity of the people.
Other prominent traditional leaders also addressed the gathering, sharing their perspectives on the importance of Isese Day and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
The Olisa of Imota, Chief Muyiwa Adebogun, spoke extensively on the need for the people to appreciate and protect their cultural heritage, noting that tradition serves as a bridge between the past, present and future.
The Oluwo of Imota, Chief Gbeminiyi Ogunsanya, also stressed the importance of keeping indigenous traditions alive and ensuring that younger generations are properly exposed to the history, customs and values of their ancestors.
Similarly, the Iyalode of Imota, Chief (Mrs.) Adejumoke Aluko-Odukoya, spoke on the significance of Isese Day and the role of the people in preserving the cultural identity of the community. She stressed the importance of passing traditional knowledge and values from one generation to another.
The celebration featured prayers, cultural expressions, traditional rites, music, and other activities that reflected the richness of Yoruba heritage, with participants coming together in an atmosphere of peace, unity and communal fellowship.
