Eredo Monarchs Suspend Ojude Oba in Honour of Late Omola

Eredo monarchs explain cancellation of 2026 Ojude Oba celebrations
Traditional rulers honour late Omola of Odomola with sober observance
Monarchs stress importance of unity, tradition, and respect for royal institutions

Traditional rulers across Eredo LCDA have explained the reasons behind the cancellation of the 2026 Ojude Oba celebrations in their respective communities, following the passing of Oba Adeshina Sulaimon Adebowale, who joined his ancestors a few weeks ago.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking during an interview, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja described the late monarch as a respected custodian of culture and tradition whose sudden demise came as a painful shock to many communities across Eredo LCDA and Epe Division at large.

Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP Odo Noforija

The revered monarch noted that the late Omola was highly loved and respected among traditional rulers within the division, adding that his death created a sober atmosphere across several kingdoms.

Oba Ogunlaja further explained some of the customs and traditional rites associated with the transition of a monarch, stating that although monarchs traditionally do not mourn openly, they often express their empathy and solidarity by suspending celebrations and major annual activities within their domains.

According to him, this was the major reason several communities across Eredo LCDA decided not to hold the annual Ojude Oba celebrations usually observed during the Ileya festivities.

“Monarchs do not mourn in the conventional way, but the only way we can show honour, respect, and empathy for our departed royal brother is by putting aside our usual celebrations and activities during this period,” he stated.

The monarch also revealed that despite the huge financial commitments and extensive preparations already made by many communities and individuals towards the celebrations, honouring the late monarch remained more important than the festivities.

“Some people have already spent millions of naira preparing for the celebrations, but no amount of preparation is more important than the life and honour of the royal father we lost,” he added.

Oba Ogunlaja also acknowledged the support and understanding of Lady Doja Otedola, whom he described as the Iya Oba of traditional rulers within Eredo LCDA, noting that she appreciated the collective decision taken by the monarchs to honour the late Omola through a peaceful and sober observance across their communities.

Speaking further, the monarch highlighted several efforts and initiatives introduced within Odo-Noforija Kingdom to maintain peace and security, stressing his administration’s commitment towards protecting lives and properties through community-based security measures and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja also urged residents across Epe Division to continue supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his second-term ambition, citing what he described as notable achievements and developmental strides recorded during the President’s first term in office.

Also speaking, Oba Adelani Adeniyi described the late Omola of Odomola as a peaceful and humble monarch whose relationship with fellow traditional rulers across Eredo LCDA was built on mutual respect, unity, and brotherhood.

He noted that the late royal father remained committed to the growth and preservation of culture and tradition within Epe Division, adding that his demise created a painful vacuum within the traditional institution.

According to Oba Adelani Adeniyi, suspending the annual Ojude Oba celebration in Odo Gbawojo became necessary as a mark of honour and respect for their departed royal brother.

In the same vein, Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo explained that the late monarch was one of the youngest and most vibrant traditional rulers within Eredo LCDA whose humility, wisdom, and peaceful nature endeared him to many people across the division.

The monarch stated that although the Ojude Oba celebration remains a cherished annual cultural event in Odo Egiri and neighbouring communities, the traditional rulers collectively agreed to suspend the festivities this year in solidarity with Odomola Kingdom during the mourning period.

He further urged residents across Eredo communities to continue promoting peace, unity, harmony, and respect for traditional institutions.

Also reacting to the development, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo described the late Omola of Odomola as a royal father whose reign was marked by humility, peace, and dedication to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.

The Alara of Ilara noted that the late monarch maintained cordial relationships with neighbouring communities and traditional rulers across Epe Division, adding that his demise was not only a loss to Odomola Kingdom but to the entire traditional institution within the division.

According to him, the decision to suspend the annual Ojude Oba celebration in Ilara Kingdom was taken after careful consultation with the Alara-in-Council as a mark of honour and solidarity with the people of Odomola Kingdom during this mourning period.

Oba Ayodele Kolawole Aliyu also described the late Omola of Odomola as a peaceful and highly respected monarch whose reign promoted unity, culture, and communal harmony across Eredo LCDA and Epe Division.

According to the monarch, the decision to suspend the annual Ojude Oba celebration in Poka Land was necessary as a mark of honour and solidarity with Odomola Kingdom during this mourning period.

He added that although the festival remains an important cultural celebration for the people, respecting the memory of their departed royal brother was more important at this time, while urging residents to continue promoting peace, unity, and support for traditional institutions across the division.

The monarchs collectively prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Omola and called on residents to remain supportive of cultural values and communal peace during the period of mourning.