Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIArb, MCIOB, МСАВЕ (Mogaji Adanla), CEO, Afia Group , on Saturday, stormed London to witness the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival UK, hosted by Ibadan Think Tank Group.
Other dignitaries at the colorful event were Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO, Agidigbo FM; Ambassador Kazeem Olaniyan, CEO Omo-Ola Travels & Tours (Chairman of the Day) and Chief (Mrs.) Yinka Adeniran, Deputy Mayoress of Portsmouth (Mother of the Day), among others.
The event, held at Jo Richardson Community School Hall, Castle Green, Dagenham RM9 4UN, London, United Kingdom, was the 4th edition of the cultural festival.
Aim at celebrating Ibadan’s rich heritage and Yoruba culture, Ibadan Cultural Festival UK is an initiative of Ibadan Think Tank Group-a social-cultural association of 3 reputable clubs-Ibadanland Development Association, Oluyole Diamond Sisters and Oluyole Progressive Union, all affiliated with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The 3-day event was marked with different activities including a special Jumuah service, Church thanksgiving service, and reception/awards program.
Part of the highlights of the iconic event also included cultural displays, music, networking, constituents clubs parade, and serving of the popular Ibadan indigenous delicacy, Amala, Gbegiri/Ewedu.
The festival, Alhaji Akeem Akinborode, the Financial Secretary, Ibadan Think Tank Group and President, Oluyole Progressive Union UK, said is structured not only to celebrate Ibadan’s rich heritage and Yoruba culture but also to honor some individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of Ibadanland.
Akinborode, a financial expert with Eminent Financial Ltd, noted the festival has also, on yearly basis, availed Ibadan’s sons and daughters living in UK an avenue to have a good time and familiarize themselves with each other.
Some of the eminent personalities honoured at this year’s edition of the festival as the most distinguished Ibadan Indigenes included HRM Oba Kola Daisi, the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Chief Kola Kareem, the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, and Chief Adewale Abass Kadri, Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland.
Also, the duo of Alhaji AbdulRafiu Ola Olajide and Alhaji Rasheed Oladimeji Oloruntola both bagged the most outstanding friends of Ibadan awards.
While Princess Loveth Oluwatosin Emmanuel was awarded as the most patriotic Ibadan indigene.
Speaking at the event, Adanla, while commending the efforts of the organisers, admonished all to prioritise preservation of Yoruba culture by passing down knowledge to the next generation through language, traditions, and cultural practices.
