Sons and daughters of Irete-Ijebu would in April, 2025 gather together to celebrate Irete Owo-Ila day. The event which is the maiden edition would future #500 million fund raising for infrastructural development of the town.
The Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, Oba Dr. Abdul-Ganiu Olusegun Awokoya-Yesufu while speaking with newsmen in his palace at Irete-Ijebu pointed out that the forth coming Irete-Owola day festival is designed to engender not only infrastructural development but also agricultural development vis-a-vis promotion of unity among the people of the town.
Tracing the history of Irete-Ijebu, Oba Awokoya-Yesufu said "Irete owo-Ila, omo afi ila daso, omo afi ila kole, omo afi ila se oun rere; Irete-Ijebu is one of the Awujale's towns within Ijebuland and the founder of the town, one of the Jadiara's daughters traded in okro as a business, reason people calls us omo Irete Owola (Owo-Ila). Jadiara was a king with two crowns (Dagurewe king before migrating to Ijebu-Ode to become Awujale".
The monarch who said that one of the reasons for the event was to celebrate remarkable achievement of the founding fathers of the town and to encourage those that are still in the okro business pointed out that, programme lined up for the event would include, press briefing, free medical care, sport competitions, traditional sport events, jummat prayer and church thanksgiving service among others.
Oba Awokoya-Yesufu appealed to the State Government to provide ICT center for the town, adding that such would generate employment opportunity especially for the youths of the town.
He pointed out that the town had enough land for agric business, calling the government to help in the expansion of the town's agricultural infrastructure.
He implored muslims in the town to take the opportunity of the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the peace and progress of the country, the state and Ilrete-Ijebu.
On his own, the Chairman, Arowoneyo Area Community Development Committee who is also the Chairman of the event planning committee, Otunba Saheed Dosumu corroborating the monarch said that, the event will attract eminent dignitaries across the country with a call on the citizens of the town to give the monarch adequate supports toward ensuring the success of the event.
Also speaking, the Iyalaje of Irete Town, Chief Mrs. Ogoji Idayat, emphasized that the cultural heritage of Irete town is incredibly rich.
Highlighting the significant role women in the town will play in ensuring the success of the upcoming Irete Owo-Ila Day Festival, Mrs. Ogoji said, "the market women are ready to support the Kabiyesi in making the Owo-Ila festival a success. We are truly blessed in Irete, and we are committed to supporting the development of our town."
Similarly, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Irete Youth Forum, Mr. Adedeji Olumide Ogunbowale, assured that the youths of the town are fully prepared to support the festival and ensure that the event becomes a memorable one.
"Just like kabiesi said, we have organized various games and sport activities for the youths. We are planning a football match, as well as indoor games such as Ayo Olopon, Ludo, and Draft for the upcoming Owo-Ila festival here in Irete," he stated.