Residents of Ilese-Ijebu in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State gathered this week to mark the 20th anniversary of Ilese Day, a celebration that has, for two decades, showcased the town’s rich cultural heritage, strengthened communal bonds, and inspired developmental strides.

The week-long annual festival, which commenced on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, and will end today, Saturday, 9th August 2025, featured a marathon race, football competition, tennis and other sporting activities, quiz competitions for schools, interfaith prayers in churches and mosques, as well as public lectures.

The events built up to Friday night’s colourful beauty pageant at the Ilese Town Hall, accompanied by musical bands strategically stationed in different areas, filling the air with sound and excitement that lingered well into the midnight hours.

Across all competitions, winners received an array of rewards from gifts and cash prizes to awards and even scholarships.

On Saturday, the town came alive with parades and troupes in vibrant colours and designs headed to the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences playground, Ilese-Ijebu.
Meanwhile, Purple Houses won the cup competition.

Speaking to Reporters from Eagle 102.5 FM, ilese Ijebu, at the grand finale on the significance of the milestone, the Ẹlẹsẹ of Ilese, Ọba Oluremi Abayomi, described Ilese Day as a living reminder of the Ijebu people’s rich cultural heritage. “This festival depicts more on the cultural heritage of our community,” he said, stressing its importance in preserving traditions for the younger generation. He urged the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to go beyond “official one-sitting in office and signing off information,” and instead engage more at the grassroots level. “The government has no choice as a matter of necessity than to support an event of this magnitude,” the monarch added, noting that the celebration teaches discipline and preserves values that are fading in some parts of the country.

Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government, Hon. Folusho Badejo, echoed the monarch’s sentiments, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting unity and boosting the local economy. “It’s an avenue that brings about unity and development to the economic situation of the town, and that’s why we must give it all the necessary support,” he said. Badejo, who is serving his second term, revealed that the local government has increased its financial contributions to the event over the years, noting improvements in this year’s edition compared to previous ones. While acknowledging that state-level support has been less visible, he affirmed that “they have been supporting us and they will continue to support us.”

Representing the state government, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local and Chieftaincy Title Affairs, Hon. Rasak Oluwakemi Dada, said Ogun State is always willing to associate with initiatives that bring positive impact and development. Describing Ilese Day as “a cultural festival that promotes unity, progress, and social cohesion,” he explained that shared celebrations foster peace. “Playing around with people reduces fights and engaging in disruptive activities,” he noted. According to him, the event strengthens healthy relationships among residents, and the state government is committed to contributing to the unity and progress of any community in the state.

For Hon. Seun Adesanya, a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Ilese Day is more than ceremonial fanfare. “At times I look at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, I look at their roles, I just see that they don’t play their roles effectively. It is more than sitting in the office and signing documents. Their role is at the grass roots. You know that the culture is at the grass root level. The govt has no choice as a matter of necessity, than to support an event of this magnitude. This event teaches nothing but the cultural heritage and discipline that our forefathers has impacted in the old ways of life compare to the new generation way of life as this particular culture has been eroded in some part of the country that is what is bringing about the devices we are experiencing now,” he said, warning that the erosion of cultural practices in other regions has contributed to social issues. Adesanya reinforced that cultural promotion should be a grassroots-driven effort by the government.

Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju of Ilese, Kunle Kalejaye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), described the celebration as a unifying platform. “The celebration brings the people of Ilese together under the umbrella of celebration once a year to assess their contributions to the town’s progress,” he explained. He also noted the carnival group’s role in inspiring children to form age-grade societies that contribute to the town’s growth.

Adding a security perspective, Lieutenant Colonel A. Ananais of Sappers Barracks, Ilese, said the military always strives to be a positive presence in any community where it is stationed. “You try as much as possible to establish in the community,” he explained, “so that the people feel the presence of the military and also know that the military are their friends.” Pointing to children from the barracks preparing to perform during the celebration, he said it was a sign of the healthy relationship between the armed forces and the people. “This exercise fosters a good relationship with the community,” he added, noting that such interactions also contribute to the security and stability of the town.

As the town, in the heart of ancient Ijebuland, marks two decades of Ilese Day, it is worthy to note its continued growth and how it has witnessed development in every sector, including the transformation of its health technology institution into a Polytechnic of Health and Allied Science,  standing as a testament to the unity, vision, and cultural pride that the festival represents.