In a grand celebration, the Erunbe Community in Abeokuta recently hosted its first Erunbe Day and Agemo Festival, drawing notable personalities from various spheres.
The event took place at the Erunbe Community Square, where residents, politicians, traditional monarchs, and industry leaders converged to commemorate the occasion.
Erunbe, an ancient township nestled within the Egba land, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Apena of Egbaland and the father of the former Speaker House of Representatives-Dimeji Bankole High Chief Alani Bankole, Former Ogun State Secretary to the Government Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, Former Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina.
Among them were also two Royal fathers of Erunbe extraction- The Olu of Obada Oko, Oba Olufemi Abiodun Solaja, the Olu of Erunbe Shode, Oba Abdullah Toye and 25 Beale’s of the community were present at the event.
The festivities showcased the rich cultural heritage of Erunbe, featuring captivating cultural dances from each community.
Agemo Erunbe displayed their dancing prowess, captivating the audience. Trophies were presented to the winners of the cultural dance competition, adding a competitive edge to the celebration.
Erunbe, known for its historical significance, comprises 26 settlements spread across five local governments in Egba land, namely Abeokuta South, Obafemi/Owode, Ifo, Ewekoro, and Ado-Odo Ota.
The main settlement is at Erunbe quarters in Abeokuta, under the authority of the Oluwo of Erunbe, High Chief Wole Adesiji, and the Alake of Egba land, Oba Micheal Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
Some of the settlements are :
Erunbe Ponle, Erunbe Yesolu, Erunbe Wasimi, Erunbe Aderu, Erunbe Kogbodoku, Erunbe Oluwo, Erunbe Lisa, Erunbe Balogun, Erunbe Sode, Erunbe Isodo, Erunbe Asogboni, Erunbe Ijemo Oke, Erunbe Okusan, Erunbe Lagidi, Erunbe Koka, Erunbe Ifote, Erunbe Ijoko Ota, Erunbe Muta, Erunbe Mogun, Erunbe ljemo Odo, Erunbe Obada-Oko, Erunbe Sogbodile, Erunbe Ajilofin, Erunbe Apena, Erunbe Ajilegun, Erunbe Orile Ifo
During his address, the Alake of Egbaland expressed joy at the overwhelming turnout and emphasized the importance of networking and mutual assistance within the Erunbe community.
He conveyed his blessings for the progress of Erunbe, emphasizing the significance of unity among its residents.
Following the festival, Dr. Adeola Odedina, the former Commissioner of Agriculture, and a native of Erunbe, visited his family house, expressing a deep connection to the community.
“My Grandfather and great-grandfather hailed from Ilogbo near Erunbe while my maternal GrandMum is from Erunbe” he shared, highlighting the personal ties that many attendees had with the historic township.
The Agba Akin of EgbaLand and High Chief in Erunbe and former SSG in Ogun State Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa who is a notable facilitator of the Event appreciated everyone for making the event memorable.
