Iroko Day Festival 2023: Community Spirit Takes Center Stage As Iroko Day Festival Celebrates Unity And Development

The resplendent community of Iroko Town unfolded a grand tapestry of tradition, empowerment, and unity during the biannual 2023 Iroko Day Festival, celebrating the exceptional leadership of His Royal Majesty Ọba (Arc) Olusegun Ayinde Feyijimi Iroko (Gbadewolu 1), The Oniroko of Iroko Land. This week-long extravaganza, culminating on Saturday, December 9, 2023, not only showcased the vibrant cultural heritage but also marked significant milestones in community development.

L-R: Onimelu of Imelu, Ifewara Osun State,HRM Oba Azeez Yekini Gbolaru; Olori Basirat Omolara Feyijimi Iroko; Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, HRM Oba Professor Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, and  HRM Oba (Arc) Olusegun Ayinde Feyijimi Iroko, Gbadewolu I, during the Iroko Day Festival 2023 with the grand commissioning of the community built Police Station, in Ogun state.

The highlight of the festival was the illustrious commissioning of the first community-built (storey building) Police station by His Royal Majesty Ọba Professor Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun 2, The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom. 

The foundation of this landmark structure was laid in 2017 and it's eventual completion stands as a symbol of unity, as it was constructed with collaborative efforts and support from notable chiefs, indegenes and residents of Iroko Land, with special mention of Chief Mohammed Lateef Sanni (àlá Láti Igbira) The Akin-Ìlú of Iroko Land, who is a major donor to the project. Built to stringent security specifications, the facility will soon be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force to fortify the security within Iroko Town also known as Abule Iroko. To this end His Royal Majesty Obalanlege encouraged the people of Iroko Land to continue to support the Oniroko to enable him achieve his laudable dreams for the community. 

The Oniroko of Iroko Land while appreciating the Olota, other Kabiyesi's and dignitaries who graced the Police station commissioning and the festival's grand finale said "I am immensely grateful for all the support that we got from everyone who supported the Police station project from inception and those who made this year's festival a big success. I am grateful for the support of Intercontinental Distillers Limited makers of Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, the Authentic prayer drink; and a brand that has always supported the Iroko Day Festival. The Police Station project though started by my late father was a major milestone targeted for commissioning this year and I am indeed happy that it was accomplished". The Oniroko then gave awards to deserving persons including the General Manager of Intercontinental Distillers Limited Chief Adeshina Adegoke for his continuous support to the community. 

Chief Oludare Oyegbola, Sobaloju of Iroko Land and Chairman Iroko Day 2023 Committee

Chief Oludare Oyegbola; the Sobaloju of Iroko Land and Chairman of 2023 Iroko Day Festival Committee, said "in setting out the program plan for this year's festival, we relied strongly on using the festival to unite the indegenes of Iroko Land, the residents and various trade groups who are from virtually all Nigerian tribes as Iroko Land welcomes every person who has good intentions for the community, hence the huge crowd seen today in their beautiful dresses and the accomplishment of all the programs lined up for the festival is a testament to the fact that everybody in Iroko Land believes in the sociocultural essence of the Iroko Day Festival"

I am grateful to our King, his Royal Majesty Ọba (Arc) Olusegun Ayinde Feyijimi Iroko (Gbadewolu 1), the Oniroko of Iroko Land and the entire committee members who committed all their resources into making this remarkable festival a great success, I look forward to the milestones that will be achieved at the next Iroko Day Festival in 2025". He concluded. 

The 2023 Iroko Day Festival soared to new heights with the generous sponsorship of Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, a brand that proudly aligns itself with preserving cultural heritage. As a major schnapps sponsor, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps contributed significantly to the success of the festival, further solidifying its commitment to community development and the celebration of cultural identity.

The festival not only celebrated cultural heritage but also served as a platform for positive change, community collaboration, and empowerment, setting a precedent for the flourishing future of Iroko Town.