The ancient town of Ilaro in Ogun State is set to come alive once again as preparations reach top gear for the 2025 Oronna Ilaro Festival, proudly themed “Festival of Joyful Grace.”
The much-anticipated cultural celebration, scheduled to hold from Friday, November 7 to Saturday, November 15, 2025, promises a radiant display of heritage, unity, and tourism excellence in Yewaland.
According to the festival committee, the annual celebration is a tribute to Oronna, the legendary warrior who defended Ilaro against external threats and brought enduring peace to the land. This year’s theme, “Festival of Joyful Grace,” reflects the community’s gratitude for the developmental strides and transformation that Ilaro has witnessed through divine favor. It is a call to celebrate with thanksgiving, to dance in the grace of shared history, and to embrace the joy of togetherness.
The festival will begin on Friday, November 7, with the conferment of chieftaincy titles at the private palace of the Olu and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV. The next day, Saturday, November 8, will feature a roadshow and the unveiling of the festival mascot to officially signal the commencement of the celebrations.
A rich lineup of events will follow throughout the nine days, including visits to deities, traditional homage and cultural parades, the colourful Onigbaaje Procession Carnival, the Sisi Ilaro Beauty Pageant, and the famous Ilaro cuisine feast tagged “Poosu Night.” Other highlights include Bolojo Night at the Children’s Park, Itolu and Ita-osi Day celebrations, a medical outreach, 5km race, football final, and traditional performances such as Egungun, Igunnuko, and Efe/Gelede dances that attract visitors from within and beyond Ogun State.
The Princesses’ and Princes’ Night will hold on Friday, November 14, at the Yewa Frontier Hotel, while the grand finale and reception will take place on Saturday, November 15, at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, featuring Balogun horse processions, cultural displays, music, dance, and special recognitions.
The Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, is expected to grace the grand finale as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, federal and state lawmakers, ministers, and other top dignitaries.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, the Chairman, Oronna Festival Committee, Pharmacist Lekan Asuni, said the celebration serves as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and communal pride. He extended a warm invitation to all sons and daughters of Ilaro, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists to join in the festival.
“Come witness the grace of tradition, the joy of community, and the heartbeat of Yewaland,” Asuni said.
The Chairman, Media, Publicity and Programme Committee, Ajiroba Dapo Oke, FCIA, FISN, MNIM, also reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to making the 2025 edition a tourism and cultural attraction that will strengthen unity and economic development in Yewaland.
