Indigenes of Ipole-Ileje Community in Ekiti State have celebrated the 2026 Olusuise New Yam Festival with a colourful cultural ceremony and the commissioning of a new community recreation centre.
The festival, held on Monday, August 24, 2026, brought together sons and daughters of the community from within and outside the country, alongside traditional rulers, chiefs and community leaders.
The event, held at the newly commissioned Ipole-Ileje Community Recreation Centre, featured cultural displays, masquerades, traditional music and the symbolic cutting and blessing of the new yam by traditional priests.
Traditional instruments, including iyaalu, gangan and sekere drums, added colour to the celebration, while prayers were offered for peace, a bountiful harvest and continued progress in the community.
Representatives of Oba David Olusegun Ateji, the Obanla of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Kajola Kingdom, were among dignitaries at the event, alongside chiefs and leaders from Ipole-Ileje and neighbouring communities.
The Owapole Designate and Community Leader, Rt. Hon. Chief Olugboyega Aribisogan, commended indigenes for their contributions to the festival and community development projects.
Aribisogan urged members of the community to sustain their unity and support for development initiatives, while appealing for additional funding for ongoing projects. His appeal attracted generous pledges from attendees.
Elder Venerable Dele Ogungbemile and Mrs. Aina Ogundipe, Yeye Aseputu, offered prayers for the community, Ijesa-Isu Ekiti and Kajola Local Council Development Area, while calling on the people to preserve their cultural heritage.
The celebration ended with feasting, music and traditional dances as residents and visitors joined in the festivities.
Speaking after the event, Chief Aribisogan described the festival as a demonstration of the strength and unity of the community.
“Today, we have shown that Ipole-Ileje Community is alive. This festival has brought us together again in peace and joy,” he said.
