The Igbein community in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently celebrated a major milestone in their cultural calendar with the annual Ogun Ajobo Igbein Egbaland festival.
The festival, which has been in existence for over 190 years, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people.
The Ogun Ajobo Igbein Egbaland festival is a celebration of the Egba people’s history and culture. The festival is centered around the shrine of Ogun, the God of iron and war, which has stood for over 190 years in the compound of Late Balogun Osho Ayikondu (Osho Igbein Mekun Ruling House) in Isale Igbein, Abeokuta.
According to historical records, Igbein town functioned as the residence of the leading Army of the Egba Nation, providing the Balogun, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, a tradition that began in Lisabi’s time. The Egba people, led by Balogun Osho Ayikondu, successfully repelled several invasions, including the Dahomey invasion of 1844 and 1851.
The Ogun Ajobo Igbein Egbaland festival is significant because it showcases the Egba people’s rich cultural heritage and their history of bravery and resilience.
The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural traditions and passing them down to future generations.
During the festival, the Ogboni’s, Igbein Traditional Council of Chiefs, and indigenes of Igbein Egbaland pay homage to the God of iron and war (Ogun) at Balogun Osho Ayikondu’s compound in Isale Igbein, Abeokuta.
Balogun Osho Ayikondu played a significant role in the history of Egbaland.
He was a renowned military leader who led Egba forces to several victories against neighboring towns and cities. He was also the first Balogun of Igbein Egbaland in 1830 and the First Balogun of Egbaland, from 1845-1866.
The Ogun Ajobo Igbein Egbaland festival celebration will start on Monday, 22nd September 2025, with the Bibo Ogun Ilu Igbein event.
The Ayikondu Day celebration place on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, at the Balogun Osho Ayikondu Family Compound, beside M.R.S. Petrol Station, Isale Igbein Abeokuta.
The festival featured traditional rituals, cultural performances, and homage to the Ogun deity.
The celebration was attended by the Ogboni’s, Igbein Traditional Council of Chiefs, and indigenes of Igbein Egbaland and Egbaland Chiefs from Alake’s Palace.
The Ogun Ajobo Igbein Egbaland festival is an important part of the Egba people’s cultural heritage.
The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural traditions and passing them down to future generations.
As the Igbein community continues to celebrate this festival, it is essential to recognize the significance of cultural heritage in shaping our identity and community.
The Ogun Ajobo Igbein Egbaland festival is a celebration of the Egba people’s rich cultural heritage and their history of bravery and resilience.
The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural traditions and passing them down to future generations.
