THE THRONE HAS FORGIVEN THEM': Regent Restores Agemo–Awujale Palace Relationship After Years of Estrangement
By Femi Mebude
IJEBU-ODE, Ogun State — A relationship that had remained strained for years between the Awujale Palace and the Agemo Traditional Institution was formally restored on Saturday as the Regent of Ijebuland, Olor'Ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, declared that the throne had forgiven the Agemo custodians and welcomed them back to the Palace.
The reconciliation, which followed the conclusion of the 2026 Agemo Festival, marked the return of the Agemo Traditional Institution to the Awujale Palace to pay homage after several years of estrangement with the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba Agbaotewole II. It also coincided with the return of the colourful Agemo procession through the streets of Ijebu-Ode after a seven-year absence.
The ceremony attracted Agemo custodians, Olojas, Palace chiefs, Elders and Traditional Leaders from across Ijebuland. Before the formal proceedings began, the atmosphere reflected a rare sense of relief as old acquaintances exchanged greetings, embraces and prayers in what many described as a symbolic return of harmony to one of Ijebuland's oldest cultural institutions.
Receiving the Agemo representatives on behalf of the vacant throne, Dr. Kuku, who serves as Adele Oba, Regent of Ijebuland and Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Traditional Administrative Council, was joined by members of the Adele Council, including Chief Pa Okuboyejo, Chairman of the Ogun State Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) and an Ilamuren High Chief, Chief Adebisi Alaran (Gbeden) and other palace officers.
In what became the defining statement of the event, the Regent declared:
"The King in absentia has forgiven them. "The Throne" has forgiven them and they have once again been brought back into society."
The declaration drew warm applause from those gathered and signalled the formal restoration of the long-standing relationship between the Awujale throne and the Agemo institution.
'Agemo Belongs to the Awujale'
Explaining the significance of the reconciliation, Dr. Kuku said the Agemo Festival remains the foremost traditional festival in Ijebuland and has existed "since eternity."
According to him, the Agemo groups had spent the previous week carrying out sacred rites, traditional dances and visits to holy sites across Ijebuland before returning to the palace in accordance with age-old custom.
"The most celebrated festival in Ijebu is the Agemo Festival. It has been there since eternity. They have been out for the last one week performing all the rites they need to perform. They have danced, they have eaten and they have visited sacred places.
"The Agemo is a festival of the Awujale. It is celebrated with the consent of the Awujale. If he says it cannot be done, it will not be done."
The Regent explained that the return to the Palace after the festival is an integral part of the tradition.
"After they finished yesterday, they came today to thank the Awujale. As the Adele, I received them together with members of the Adele Council on behalf of the throne."
Healing an Old Rift
Dr. Kuku recalled that although the late Awujale continued to approve and support the Agemo Festival throughout his reign, disagreements led him to stop personally receiving the Agemo representatives.
While the sacred rites at Imosan continued uninterrupted, the traditional Agemo procession in Ijebu-Ode remained suspended for about seven years.
He said the Interregnum Council deliberately chose reconciliation as part of efforts to strengthen unity across Ijebuland.
"Before the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, he stopped gracing the festival because they offended him and Ijebuland despite supporting and allowing them their activities.
"We as a Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council said it is time to settle problems. We want peace to come, and Agemo, being the foremost traditional masquerade, we want peace to go through there too."
According to him, the reconciliation contributed to what many regarded as one of the most successful Agemo Festivals in recent years.
"That is why they are happy. This year's Agemo Festival was one of the best ever."
Olojas Welcome New Beginning
The reconciliation extended beyond the Palace reception as leading Agemo custodians welcomed what they described as a new beginning for the Institution.
Among those present were Oloja High Chief Odelumoro, Oloja High Chief Posa of Imosan, Oloja High Chief Tami of Odogbolu, Pa Eduwe of Ago-Iwoye, alongside numerous Agemo custodians from across Ijebuland.
Their presence reflected a shared commitment to rebuilding trust, preserving Ijebu's cultural heritage and strengthening the relationship between the palace and the Agemo institution.
Sources within the Palace and the Agemo Institution also confirmed that several longstanding internal issues among the Alagemos were amicably resolved during the festival. There is now growing optimism that the Oloja Agemo of Ijebu-Igbo, absent in recent years, will return to future celebrations, further consolidating unity within the institution.
Palace Gesture Sparks Joy
Another highlight of the event came when the Regent, on behalf of the Awujale Palace, approved an upward review of the traditional remuneration and honorarium for every participating Oloja.
The announcement was greeted with applause and visible excitement, prompting the Alagemos to offer prayers for the repose of the late Awujale, members of the Awujale Interregnum Traditional Administrative Council, the Regent, the Adele Council and Ijebus at home and across the Diaspora.
Special prayers were also offered for divine guidance in the ongoing selection of a new Awujale, with supplications that Eledumare would bless Ijebuland with a worthy monarch to preserve its cherished traditions.
Responding to the prayers, Dr. Kuku dismissed suggestions that the Interregnum Council intended to prolong the transition.
"I actually want to leave this interim position as soon as possible so that Ijebuland can move forward from the stagnated situation it is undergoing now. Why should I, or anyone else, want to stall the transition?"
'Culture Outlives Kings'
Drawing a parallel with this year's Ojude Oba Festival, held despite the passing of the late monarch, Dr. Kuku stressed that the cultural identity of Ijebuland is bigger than any individual occupant of the throne.
"The monarch is gone, but the culture and tradition stand. It was celebrated in his name until somebody else will be elected, selected or chosen."
He disclosed that the Agemo representatives visited the Palace not only to express gratitude but also to seek assurances that the renewed relationship would continue beyond this year's celebration.
"They came to show gratitude and respect for the grace given and asked whether that grace would continue next year. We assured them of our willingness to continue working together pending the emergence of a new Awujale. Forgiveness is the way forward. That is the only way we can unite and propel peace in Ijebuland."
Dr. Kuku assumed leadership of Ijebuland following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, and now oversees the traditional administration of the kingdom while the Afobajes (kingmakers) continue the process of selecting a new Awujale from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
For many who witnessed Saturday's ceremony, the significance of the day extended far beyond the end of another festival. It represented the restoration of an ancient bond between "The Throne and the Agemo Institution", the return of the Agemo procession after seven years, renewed unity among the Olojas and Alagemos, and fresh confidence that reconciliation, dialogue and respect for tradition will continue to guide the future of Ijebuland.
Femi Mebude report for Ijebu Today | Today Update Magazine | Today RadioTV Online Station | Igboro Lawa.
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