. Festivities begin today
The ancient and historic town of Ayetoro-Yewa, the vibrant headquarters of Yewa North Local Government Area in Ogun State burst into life today, November 9, 2026, as the rhythmic thumping of the historic Gbedu drum and the thunderous boom of a 21-gun salute marked the official kickoff of the 2026 Ayetoro Day Celebrations. This signifies that the historic town has officially taken centre stage on the global cultural calendar. Under the optimistic theme “Festival of Dawn of New Glory,” this year’s week-long extravaganza promises a masterful blend of deep-rooted Yoruba tradition and ambitious modern development.
The kick-off of the celebrations marked the launching of a week-long festival that beautifully marries the town’s ancient cultural heritage with an ambitious N2billion developmental blueprint.
A Royal Awakening
There was an unmistakable electricity in the air as indigenes, traditional enthusiasts, and visitors gathered for the opening ceremonies. Led by the Alaye of Ayetoro, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulazeez Ishola Adelakun Akinola II, the town’s top tier of traditional royalty turned out in full, splendid regalia. Flanked by the Olu of Saala, Oba Afolabi Olaleye, and the Olu of Emado, Oba Abel Eweje, the monarch oversaw sacred royal rites and guided tours to key historical sites across the ancient community.
For local residents and visitors alike, the opening day offered an unforgettable sensory experience.
The presence of the Ayetoro Council of Chiefs—including the Ojumo of Ayetoro, Chief Kunle Adeosun, and the Erelu of Ayetoro, Mrs Bose Edubiyi—alongside Baales from quarters like Ajana, Ogodo, Aibo, Ifekowajo and Erinpa, underscored a community deeply locked in step with its ancestry.
“Our culture is our identity,” noted Chief Adeosun, reflecting on the day’s events. “The Gbedu drum and traditional rites are not mere ceremonial displays; they are expressions of our historical resilience and a responsibility we owe to generations yet unborn.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Oluwo of Ayetoro, Chief Cornelius Ileyemi, delivering a message on behalf of the Alaye, stressed that these ancient symbols represent peace and continuity, serving as a powerful clarion call for sons and daughters in the diaspora to look homeward.
Bridging Heritage with a ₦2 Billion Future
However, this year’s festival is charting a progressive new course that looks firmly toward the future.
While the week started with a respectful nod to the past, the core of Ayetoro Day 2026 looks squarely toward tomorrow. Organised by the Central Ayetoro Day 2026 Organising Committee (CAYDOC), the festival is shedding its coat as just a cultural party and stepping up as a major socio-economic engine for transformation.
The crown jewel of this year’s events is the highly anticipated turning of the sod for the proposed ₦2 billion Ayetoro Arcade and Civic Centre. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known to his massive following as Yayi—the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District and APC governorship candidate for 2027 —will perform the groundbreaking honours.
Once completed, this ambitious architectural marvel will serve as an ultra-modern commercial and civic hub. It is designed to breathe fresh economic life into Ayetoro and its neighbouring Yewa communities, creating space for investments, jobs, and social interaction.
“The festival goes beyond cultural entertainment,” explained CAYDOC Chairman, Chief Kunle Amosun. “It provides a strategic platform for mobilising human and material resources towards the socioeconomic transformation of our community.”
The 2026 Ayetoro Day celebrations will continue to build momentum through a packed, week-long itinerary featuring cultural exhibitions, youth educational programmes, sporting tournaments and humanitarian outreach initiatives. Everything builds toward the grand finale on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The weekend finale promises a star-studded assembly, with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expected as the Special Guest of Honour.
Joining Abiodun will be the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, alongside captains of industry and lawmakers.
As the hometown crowd rolls out the red carpet for friends and development partners worldwide, the message from the Alaye-in-Council remains clear: Ayetoro is open for growth, united in purpose and stepping boldly into its new dawn.
