Ota is the second city in Yoruba nation where Cultural and Traditional heritage is being cherish after Ile -Ife, the cradle of Yoruba land. Every 3 years, Ota, one of the ancient Awori towns and the Capital of Awori Nation celebrate Egungun (Masquerade) Festival with the appearance of Ege the head of Egungun.
The next in command to Ege is Oya Ikotun which is also knows as Oya Ota according to the judgement of the High Court. Oya Masquerade will perform last after all the masquerades must have perform and dance during the three months celebration of the festival.
This year festival took a new turn as Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade honoured the AROGUNMOLA'S royal family, though, the celebration took place on May 31st 2026 but due to the tight schedule of Alaafin, he came to honour the family on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026.
The historic visit of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade1, to the AROGUNMOLA'S family was well received by the Olota of Ota, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege together with the head of AROGUNMOLA'S Royal Family Head, Oba Samuel Ojugbele the Onilogbo of Ilogbo Asowo and other Obas in the area.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, June 2nd, Oba Samuel Ojugbele the head of AROGUNMOLA'S Royal Family thank the Alaafin, Oba Owoade for honouring his family invitation. Kabiyesi said, he and his family invited Alaafin in order to foster a cordial relationship between Ota especially there family and the Oyo Kingdom.
Oba Ojugbele told Alaafin that Oya Masquerade was brought from Oyo Kingdom by the their forefathers. Onilogbo took Alaafin together with Olota and other Obas to the ancient source of Oya in there family compound, in Ikotun, Ota.
Oba Ojugbele used the opportunity to pray for Alaafin and enjoined him to continue in building unity among Yoruba Nation.
Iku Baba Yeye in his words, "My visit to Ota Town is connected to the history and cultural heritage of the Egungun Oya Ikotun of the Arogunmola family, (OTUN -OTA) whose ancestral roots trace back to the Oyo Empire.
I was contacted by the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, Oba Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele and the AROGUNMOLA'S Royal Family who informed me that the revered Egungun Oya traces its origin to the ancient Oyo Empire and will be performing at the last day of Ota 2026 Egungun Festival. Unfortunately, I could not meet up on Sunday, May 31st but I have to honour this noble royal family today.
I, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, consider this visit a significant step toward strengthening the ties of brotherhood, cultural preservation, and unity among Yoruba communities", Alafin said.
He emphasized the historical and cultural ties linking the masquerade tradition to Oyo and pledged his unwavering support and partnership whenever Egungun Oya is scheduled to perform in Ota adding that the commitment reflects the collective resolve of traditional rulers to preserve and promote our shared cultural heritage for future generations.
He noted that stronger collaboration among royal fathers would further enhance social stability and communal progress underscoring the need for traditional rulers to complement government efforts by mobilising grassroots support for policies and programmes aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy.
Alafin stressed that royal institutions remain critical partners in promoting peace, security and sustainable development at the community level saying the visit is widely regarded as a landmark moment in Yoruba traditional history, ended with a renewed call for solidarity among Yoruba communities.
He expressed optimism that the royal engagement would serve as a catalyst for greater socio-economic advancement, cultural rebirth and enduring unity across Ota, Ogun State and the entire Southwest region.
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