Oyewumi Adebisi
The ancient community of Imota in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, is set to mark the 40th edition of its annual Ayayo Day Celebration on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with a renewed focus on preserving its cultural heritage, while
charting a path for future development.
The annual celebration, which is being organised by the Imota Ayayo Day Planning Committee on behalf of the traditional ruler and the people of Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA), will hold at the Imota Mini Stadium,
Ebute-Ajebo Road, Imota, beginning at 11:00am.
The 2026 edition is themed, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Shaping Our Future”, a theme that reflects the dual purpose of the annual gathering: celebrating the history, traditions and identity of Imota, while also using the occasion to chart developmental path for the community.
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, FCA, ACTI, AMNIM, Olufoworesete II, the Ranodu of Imota, will serve as the Chief Host of the celebration, while the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Sunday Ayodele Benson, is the Host.
Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, Member, House of Representatives, will Chair the 40th milestone celebration, while Hon. Bayo Balogun, also a Member of the House of Representatives, is the Co-Chairman of the Day.
The Planning Committee Chairman, Prof. Sakiru Abiodun Okedeyi, assured residents of Imota, that this year’s edition will not just be grand in celebration but also in its impacts.
Like the previous editions, the 40th edition of the celebration will also featured cultural displays, community development discussions, youth-focused activities, lectures, awards, Miss Imota Ayayo beauty pageant, and initiatives targeted at improving the social and economic development of Imota among others.
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Beyond the cultural celebration and sustenance, Ayayo Day Celebration, in the
recent time, has also increasingly been linked with development initiatives such
as the Education Endowment Fund aimed at supporting the development of an ICT
Innovation Hub, vocational centre and scholarships for brilliant indigent
students. The initiative was designed to equip young people in the community
with skills needed to participate in a changing economy.
