By Societal Digest
The ancient town of Itori in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State is once again preparing to witness a spectacular celebration of culture, tradition, and community as His Royal Majesty, Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, the Oyomu I and Olu of Itori Kingdom, gears up to host the 2026 edition of the renowned Ode Oba Itori Carnival.
Widely regarded as one of the foremost traditional rulers championing cultural preservation and community development, Oba Akamo has continued to position Itori as a cultural destination where heritage, fashion, and royal traditions flourish. The monarch also serves as Chairman of the Ewekoro Local Government Traditional Council and Chairman of Progressive Obas.
Scheduled to hold one week after the Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) Festival, the annual Ode Oba celebration has evolved into one of Ogun State’s most anticipated socio-cultural events, attracting thousands of visitors, sons and daughters of Itori, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.
With the theme, “Rocking the Uniformity, Celebrating Our Roots,” the 2026 edition promises to surpass previous outings in colour, glamour, and attendance. The carnival traditionally transforms the town into a vibrant hub of cultural activities, showcasing the rich heritage of the people of Itori through elegant fashion displays, horse-riding processions, music, dance, and royal pageantry.
Over the years, the event has attracted an array of distinguished royal fathers and dignitaries, including the Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and the Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, among other eminent traditional rulers and stakeholders.
Observers often compare Ode Oba Itori to the famous Ojude Oba Festival due to its remarkable display of culture, fashion, and communal unity. Both festivals have become iconic celebrations that highlight the richness of Yoruba heritage while fostering social cohesion and economic activities within their host communities.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 celebration, Oba Akamo extended an open invitation to sons and daughters of Itori at home and in the diaspora, friends of the kingdom, cultural enthusiasts, and fun-seekers to participate in what promises to be an unforgettable cultural experience.
Beyond the festivities, the monarch assured residents and visitors of adequate arrangements to guarantee a peaceful and secure event. Robust security measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of guests, dignitaries, and participants throughout the celebration.
As anticipation builds, Itori stands ready to welcome an unprecedented influx of visitors and vehicles for what is expected to be the most colourful and memorable edition of the Ode Oba Carnival yet—a celebration that continues to reinforce the enduring values of unity, tradition, and cultural pride under the leadership of Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo.
The countdown to Ode Oba Itori 2026 has begun.
