Kunle Adelabu
-warn against any unlawful public gathering
The Eletu of Oke -Eletu and the traditional head of Oke-Eletu community in Ijede Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu Division, Eletu Adeniyi Omotayo Ajayi, has suspended the 2026 edition of Eyibi/Eluku festival indefinitely and warned against any unlawful public gathering within the community.
The suspension which was in compliance with the Ijede council authorities directive, was confirmed to THE IMPACT at the weekend, by the Eletu Ajayi via a phone call.
We gathered that the annual festival was suspended based on the directive by the Ijede LCDA authorities through a letter referenced UD/LCDA/CHM/008/021 and dated 9th October, 2026.
Eletu Ajayi had via a letter dated letter dated 17th September 2026, requested for permission to stage the 2026 Eyibi/Eluku festival in Oke-Eletu
The council letter signed by the Chairman, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, stated:
”In response to your letter dated 17th September 2026, as regards the 2026 Eyibi/Eluku festival in Oke-Eletu. The Alajede of ljede, HRM Alayeluwa, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan has declared that “No Individual, family, group or traditional institution has the right to organise, announce, or perform any traditional festival Oro rites or cultural display within Oke-Eletu and ljede kingdom at large without the express written consent and approval of the Alajede of ljede.”
It added:
”Sequel to the above, the above-mentioned festival is not approved by the council until all necessary steps and conditions are met.”
”Non-adherence to this directive might attract consequences.”
The Division Police Officer, Imota Police Division, was copied in the letter a copy of which was received by our reporter.
Speaking with THE IMPACT, Eletu Adeniyi, said that he is suspending the traditional festival which has been revived since his emergence as Eletu a few years ago despite getting approval by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture.
He emphasised that the suspension is in the interest of peace and order in Oke – Eletu and the generality of Ijede LCDA.
Eletu Adeniyi who also said he will always work with the Ijede LCDA authorities to maintain peace and order, emphasised that he is adhering strictly with the council directive in spite of huge sum of money which has been sunk into preparation like the purchase of Ankara fabrics, rentals, food and entertainment for the Eluku/Eyibi festival among others, scheduled for next week.
He added that he would do anything to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order especially with the forthcoming general elections, adding that Oke -Eletu is fully for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the election of other candidareo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, APC governorship hopefull; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Rep. Babajimi Benson and Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun.
Eletu Ajayi also informed THE IMPACT that he has warned and appealed to the Alashe of Oke -Eletu; …., and other traditional stakeholders in Oke – Eletu, on the need to comply with the council directive and the position of the Alajede.
