Otunba Jimoh Ibrahim Installed as Shobaloju I of Erijiyan Kingdom
By Kunle Michael
Ojude Ohan Festival: Erijiyan installs Jimoh Ibrahim Shobaloju I
… launches N500m development fund
By Kunle Michael
The ancient town of Erijiyan-Ekiti in Ekameta Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State was agog with celebration as indigenes and guests gathered for the third edition of the Ojude Ohan Cultural Festival, which featured the installation of Otunba Jimoh Ibrahim as Shobaloju I of Erijiyan Kingdom.
The 2026 festival provided an opportunity for the community to celebrate its rich cultural heritage, strengthen communal bonds and mobilise support for development, while also honouring the Olohan of Erijiyan-Ekiti, Oba Adegoroye Omosebi, for 12 eventful years on the throne.
The colourful ceremony brought together traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians, community leaders and other dignitaries to celebrate the kingdom’s traditions, recognise distinguished personalities and reaffirm their commitment to the town’s progress.
The installation of Otunba Ibrahim as Shobaloju I added to the significance of the occasion, as guests joined the people of Erijiyan to celebrate the conferment of the prestigious traditional title in an atmosphere of joy, honour and cultural pride.
Speaking at the event, Oba Omosebi expressed gratitude to Almighty God for sustaining his reign and pledged to continue working towards the development of Erijiyan-Ekiti and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
The monarch also appreciated the individuals and groups who invested their time, energy and resources in ensuring the success of the festival, commending their contributions to preserving the community’s cultural heritage and advancing its development.
He urged the people to sustain their support for the traditional institution and remain committed to peace, unity and collective progress.
The Chairman of the 2026 Ojude Ohan Cultural Festival, Goyega Peters, and the President-General of Erijiyan Improvement, Rotimi Okuwatayo, also emphasised the importance of unity, love and mutual support in advancing the community’s development.
They said the festival was established to promote peace, unity and socio-cultural development by providing a platform for indigenes to reunite, celebrate their shared identity and contribute to the growth of their ancestral home.
According to them, the celebration offered the people an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, preserve their cultural values and strengthen relationships across different segments of the community.
The speakers stressed that lasting development could be achieved when the people continued to live in peace, assist one another and work collectively to improve the welfare of members of the community.
A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of a N500m community development fund aimed at mobilising resources for projects and initiatives that would improve the town and the welfare of its people.
The programme also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on eminent Nigerians, including Otunba Ibrahim, whose installation as Shobaloju I formed a significant part of the festivities.
Some of the award recipients expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to contribute more to the development of the community.
One of the recipients said he was delighted by the honour and reiterated his commitment to the progress of Erijiyan-Ekiti, while offering prayers for the monarch’s long life, good health and prosperity.
Another guest commended the organisers for bringing the people together, noting that the atmosphere of love, happiness and camaraderie reflected the community’s cultural values.
The installation ceremony and subsequent celebrations continued in an atmosphere of excitement, with guests treated to an assortment of delicacies, including rice, Ofada rice, àmàlà, ìyàn, moi-moi and other sumptuous meals.
A live band provided musical entertainment, adding colour and vibrancy to the occasion as guests joined in the celebrations in honour of Otunba Ibrahim and the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Gratitude was expressed to the Almighty God for the successful completion of the ceremony.
The third edition of the Ojude Ohan Cultural Festival underscored the importance of cultural celebrations in preserving indigenous traditions, promoting tourism and strengthening communal relationships.
The event also renewed calls for collective action towards sustainable development, as the people of Erijiyan-Ekiti celebrated their heritage, honoured their traditional institutions and welcomed Otunba Jimoh Ibrahim into his new role as Shobaloju I of Erijiyan Kingdom.
Friends and family members from within and outside Ekiti State were on ground to celebrate with Alhaji Jimoh Ibrahim.
From Ebony Herald International Magazine website say Congratulations to Alhaji Jimoh Ibrahim and family
