• Epe monarchs praised Iba Gani Adams for promoting Yoruba culture.
• Grandmothers’ Festival 2025 was held in Epe with royal support.
• Yorubas urged to uphold tradition over
Ekohotblog reports that Traditional rulers in Epe Division, led by the Oloja of Epe Land, HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, have applauded the contributions of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, for his consistent efforts in preserving, promoting, and protecting Yoruba culture and traditions across the world.
The commendation came during the 2025 edition of the Grandmothers’ Festival (Odún Àwon Ìyá Àgbà), held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Recreation Centre in Epe.
Representing Oba Animashaun at the event were several prominent monarchs, including:
High Chief Yesiru Dada, Agbon of Epe Land
HRM Oba (Bldr) Aderibigbe Ganiu Asunmo, Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu
HRM Oba Ebudola Odedina Sikiru Nureni (Alugbin I), Oniladaba of Ladaba
HRM Oba Adeleke Akibu Ismaila, Onilepia of Lepia
HRM Oba Muftau Adewunmi Olanrewaju, Ologunfayo of Ogunfayo, Iwerekun-Eputu, Ibeju-Lekki
HRM Oba Maruffdeen Adelani Oluwafunmilade Adeniyi (Oke I), Adegbawojo of Odogbawojo
HRM Alhaji (Oba) Mudashiru Bilaminu Atanda, Onishaga of Ishaga Boshule, Ifo, Ogun State
The royal fathers collectively praised Iba Gani Adams, who is also the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (O.P.C), and Convener of the Oodua Progressive Union Worldwide, for championing Yoruba values and identity through festivals and cultural awareness campaigns.
“We, the Yorubas, are very rich in culture and traditions, and I’m grateful to God that we have the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams, working tirelessly day and night to ensure our culture, tradition, and heritage do not disappear,” said HRM Oba Ebudola Odedina Sikiru Nureni (Alugbin I), Oniladaba of Ladaba.
“I have been a member of the O.P.C before my ascension to the throne, and I can confirm that this Grandmothers’ Festival is one of the many initiatives Aare has put in place to protect what we have as a people.
On behalf of the traditional rulers in Epe Division, I sincerely appreciate his dedication to the Yoruba cause and for choosing to host this unique festival exclusively in Epe every year.”
Speaking in agreement, HRM Oba Adeleke Akibu Ismaila, Onilepia of Lepia, emphasized the importance of cultural pride: “We must continue to value our traditions.
We must not allow the Yoruba cultural heritage to be replaced by foreign practices. We must protect what we have and teach our young ones to appreciate our ways.”
The monarchs used the occasion to call on all Yorubas, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace and uphold their heritage with pride and purpose.
