The stage is now set for the hosting of the Annual Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026, a three-day heritage and cultural festival, organised in honour of the legendary Yoruba war hero, strategist, and statesman, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, who lived between 1822 and 1910.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti by Mr Femi Alufa, the Festival Director of the Annual Ogedengbe Fiesta, a total of 25 distinguished Nigerians, whose activities had made positive impacts on the lives of several ordinary persons in 2025, would be honoured.
According to him, the festival is scheduled to hold from July 29th to July 31st, 2026, in Atorin, Atakumosa East LGA, Osun State, Imesi -Ile, Okemesi -Ekiti, Ekiti State and Ilesa, Osun State, while the award aspect comes up much earlier, on July 31st.
He said the festival would bring together traditional rulers, top government officials, scholars, cultural enthusiasts, historians, and personalities from across Nigeria and beyond.
He said those expedited to witness the event would gather to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of the most celebrated figures of the then Ekiti-Parapo (Kiriji) War, and the Yoruba peace settlement era.
Themed: “Ogedengbe Agbogungboro Legacy: Leadership, Security, and Statecraft for Modern Governance in Nigeria”, he said the fiesta was designed to preserve Yoruba historical memory, promote cultural tourism, and connect indigenous leadership values with contemporary governance and nation-building.
Femi Alufa explained that activities for the opening day would focus on paying homage to the ancestral homeland of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro.
“The event will also feature traditional rites, cultural receptions, heritage storytelling, and historical reflections on the warrior’s origin, identity, and early life.
“Community leaders, historians, and cultural custodians are expected to lead conversations aimed at deepening public understanding of Yoruba heritage and historical continuity.
“The second day will feature a guided heritage excursion to the historic Kiriji War Memorial Peace Treaty Site in Imesi-Ile, Osun State.
“Besides, invited guests will visit notable historical landmarks including: Ogedengbe Cave Bunker, Imesi -Ile, Ibu Latoosa Historical Site, Imesi -Ile, Yoruba Peace Treaty Grove, Imesi-Ile, and Afe Babalola Gardens, Okemesi -Ekiti, among others”, he said.
Continuing, Alufa said the grand finale would feature the Ogedengbe Legacy Awards and Hall of Fame Investiture, where distinguished individuals would be honoured for excellence in leadership, culture, public service, and contributions to society.
“A major highlight of the event will be the distinguished personality lecture, in honour of legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola (SAN), he said.
