The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is expected to lead scores of traditional rulers from across the South-West to the 2026 Ita Ajero Festival in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo, disclosed this while unveiling activities for the third edition of the festival, describing the event as a platform for promoting Yoruba unity, history and cultural identity.
According to the monarch, the festival is rooted in the ancient relationship between Ijero and Ile-Ife, where descendants of Oduduwa traditionally gathered to deliberate on issues affecting their people.
He said the presence of the Ooni and other monarchs from Yorubaland would further highlight the cultural and historical significance of the celebration.
Oba Adebayo explained that the modern Ita Ajero Festival emerged from a 2023 summit of Ijero indigenes held in Texas, United States, where participants from different parts of the world resolved to reconnect with their ancestral homeland through an annual cultural celebration.
The first edition was held in 2024, followed by the second in 2025, while the 2026 edition will take place from August 18 to August 21.
The organisers have aligned the festival with the traditional Ogun Festival, reflecting the importance of Ogun in Yoruba civilisation as a symbol associated with warfare, protection, farming and craftsmanship.
The kingdom’s four traditional masquerades are also expected to feature prominently during the celebration.
The Secretary of the Ita Ajero Festival Foundation, High Chief Ayo Afolabi, said activities would include the Miss Ita Ajero Pageant on August 19, Shugudu Night on August 20 and the grand finale on August 21 at Erekesen Market Square.
The foundation also announced plans to establish a N2 billion Ita Ajero Festival Pavilion and appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and indigenes to support the cultural project.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Development and Investment Promotion, Lanre Ojo-Lanre, described Ita Ajero as one of the fastest-growing cultural festivals in Yorubaland and pledged continued government support.
The Ijero Youth Association also urged young people in the community to participate actively in the festival and contribute to community development.
