By UCHENNA ELETUO

The Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, traditional ruler of Ilara Kingdom of Epe Lagos State, has cancelled the 2026 Ojude-Oba Festival.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cancellation is to honour the memory of Oba Adeshina Sulaimon Adebowale, the Omola of Odomola Kingdom, traditional ruler of Odomola, Epe Kingdom, Lagos State, who passed away on May 13, 2026.

The decision, contained in a royal communique, signed by the Alara of Ilara, was issued by the palace on Wednesday in Lagos State.

The Ojude Oba (The King’s Forecourt) Festival, is a cultural carnival cherished by the Ijebu descendants of Ogun and extended to the Epe Ijebu’s in Lagos State.

The massive public cultural festival that features cultural displays is to remind the people of their ancestral origin, and attracts indigenes and visitors from across the country and the diaspora.

The Alara of Ilara’s palace at Epe, however, encouraged people to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) festival peacefully within their homes.

“The festival, scheduled to hold on Thursday, has been set aside to give room for preparations already put in place by different age grades and community groups toward the funeral rites of the late king.

“It stands as an indispensable mark of traditional respect and cultural solidarity.

“The cancellation became necessary following the recent passing of Oba Ogunsanwo’s close contemporary within the Epe Division, the Omola of Odomola Kingdom, who joined his ancestors on May 13, 2026.

“Following extensive structural consultations with the Alara-in-Council, the palace resolved that proceeding with a massive public carnival will contradict the solemn mood required to mourn a highly respected leader,” it said.

The Alara described the late Odomola traditional ruler, as an exemplary custodian of Yoruba culture, a true man of peace, and a dedicated brother king whose legacy of humility and community progress would be deeply missed across Lagos State.

The palace urged all prominent indigenes, community residents, and international tourists to accept the suspension in good faith.

It acknowledged that many families had already spent significant resources preparing for the cultural showcase, as such, the king encouraged hosts to still receive their traveling guests warmly and enjoy the religious holidays quietly within their respective neighborhoods. (NAN)