Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Land, Olor’Ogun Dr Sonny Folorunso Kuku, says the Awujale Stool and the Agemo Traditional Institution have reconciled and restored cordial relations after several years of rift under the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Olor’Ogun Sonny Kuku confirmed the reconciliation of Ijebu’s foremost traditional institutions while briefing journalists after receiving Agemo Priests on a homage visit at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode.
Olor’Ogun Kuku noted that while Oba Adetona continued to support and approve the festival throughout his reign, he stopped personally attending Agemo activities following disagreements between both parties. The situation led to the suspension of the traditional Agemo dance in Ijebu-Ode for the last seven years, which was only lifted this year.
Olor’Ogun Kuku described the homage visit of the Agemo Priests as symbolic of reconciliation, forgiveness and renewed unity within Ijebuland. He explained that after completing a week-long series of rituals, sacrifices, processions and visits to sacred sites across Ijebuland, the various Agemo groups traditionally return to the palace to pay homage to the Awujale.
“You know the most celebrated festival in Ijebu is the Agemo Festival. That is the traditional customary festival that has been there since eternity.
“They have been out for the last one week, and they’ve performed all the rites they need to perform. They’ve danced, they’ve eaten, and they’ve visited sacred places.
“The Agemo is a festival of the Awujale, and they have done it on the consent of the Awujale. If he says it cannot be done, it will not be done.”
Dr Sonny Kuku, who is the Regent of Ijebuland, said the decision to reconcile with the Agemo Traditional Institution and welcome them back to the palace was deliberate and aimed at healing longstanding divisions between both parties.
“If we recall, before the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, he stopped gracing the festival because they offended him and Ijebuland despite supporting and allowing them their activities.
“We as a council said it is time to settle problems. We want peace to come and Agemo, being the foremost traditional masquerade, we want peace to go through there too.”
He said the reconciliation contributed to what is being regarded as one of the most successful editions of the Agemo Festival in recent years.
Drawing parallels with this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, which was held despite the passing of the late monarch, Dr Kuku stressed that the cultural heritage of Ijebuland supersedes any individual occupant of the throne.
“The monarch is gone, but the culture and tradition stand. It was celebrated in his name until somebody else is elected, selected or chosen.”
He disclosed that the Agemo representatives visited the palace not only to express gratitude for the reconciliation but also to seek assurances that the restored relationship would continue in the coming years.
“The king in absentia has forgiven them. The throne has forgiven them, and they have once again been brought back into society.
“Forgiveness is the way forward. That is the only way we can unite and propel peace in Ijebuland.
“That was why they came today to show gratitude and respect for the grace given, as well as asking if the grace extends till next year, and we have assured them of our willingness to work with them pending the time we have a new Awujale.”
The reconciliation of the Awujale Stool and the Agemo Traditional Institution represents a defining moment in Ijebuland, after years of a frosty relationship between both parties.
