It was a glorious moment in Ibadan as prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun thronged the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium to participate in the grand finale of the annual Ibadan cultural festival on Saturday 19th March, 2022.
The Ibadan cultural festival week 2022, organised by the apex socio-cultural group in Ibadan, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) is an annual programme designed to remember and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan land and bring together all sons and daughters both at home and in the Diaspora to be part of the week-long event.
The lined up activities for this year celebration included thanksgiving service at St. Peters Church, Aremo, Ibadan, a new Miss Orekelewa Ilu Ibadan competition which was won by Gbemisola Odeniyi, presentation of awards to worthy sons and daughters, quiz and essay competitions, amala day, football competitions, business luncheon, special jumat service at central mosque Oja-Oba, Ibadan.
The grand finale ceremony which was the official outing ceremony attended by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mahood Lekan Balogunafter his ascension to the throne, was full of fun and pageantry
In his remark, Oba Lekan Balogun appreciated all the sons and daughters of Ibadan land for their commitment towards the development of the land and prayed that the Almighty God will continue to be with them.
Highlight of the grand finale was the warriors lineage display. They include Maye Okumade, Lakanle, Oderinlo, Ibikunle, Ope-Agbe, Osundina, Olugbode Ajibosin, Elegbe, Ogunmola, Arulogun, Latosaa, Akere and Orowusi families who fought severally for the ancient city of Ibadan land in the time past.
Also, there was parade by different socio-cultural clubs of Ibadan indigenes both home and abroad. They include Ibadan Patriot Group, Ibadan Solidarity Group, Ibadan Vanguard Sisters, Jericho Business Men, Ibadan progressives Union, Ibadan Descendants’ Union (USA), Oluyole Search Light Club, Oke Aremo Social Club, IITA North West, Ibadan best Icon, Association of Ibadan Indigene Manchester City, Oluyole Classic Sister’s Club and many others.
Some worthy sons and daughters of Ibadan land whose impacts have been greatly felt in the city were also awarded at the event. Among them were Alhaja Rafata Amunigu Opowu, Alhaji Sikiru Yemi Soladoye, Engineer Lanre Adewolu, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, Rtd. Major-General Abdulahi Muraina, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Mogaji Asiwaju Nurudeen Akinade, Surveyor General Taiwo Adeniran, Chief Wole Akinwande and University of Ibadan.
