Who says a tree does not make a forest? Even though his natural humility would restrict the Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi from flaunting his factor in the desirable state of his domain in Oriade Local Government of Osun State, evidence abounds that his 12 years in the palace have been accompanied by unprecedented transformation to the town sitting quietly on a landscape situated off the Ilesa-Akure highway.
TheTabloid.net gathered that the monarch, who graduated from the University of Ilorin at age 20 in 1987, advertently uses his network of personal contacts to reach out to influential figures at home and in the diaspora to visit and celebrate with him his special moments such as birthdays and coronation anniversaries, among others.
The latest event was the Agidanyin Festival which he hosted last Saturday, November 7, 2026, when a galaxy of traditional rulers from far and near turned out in appreciable number and witnessed the occasion regarded as the Founder’s Day Festival.
Erinmo is no ordinary town in Yorubaland. Bounded by towns and communities such as Efon Alaaye, Iwaraja, Ijeda, and Erin-Ijesa, it is widely respected as a spiritual hub and cultural landmark.
It is famous as a “Spiritual Jerusalem” due to its prominent prayer mountains, notably Ori Oke Koseounti, the Mountain of Possibility, which attracts Christian pilgrims, prayer ministries, and visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Founded on or about 1100 AD by Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, Erinmo, last Saturday, was in its most radiant glory as drums did not merely beat but thundered and whispered, with their voice echoing through neighbouring communities.
For over 926 years, this serene town has stood as a living monument to courage, spirituality, and cultural pride. On this day, it celebrated not just a festival, but the enduring legacy of its progenitor, Agidanyinmosa, the fearless warrior son of Ooni Obalufon Alayemore, who became the first King of Erinmo Kingdom.
The venue was the Elerinmo Palace Foyer, transformed into a colourful stage of tradition, faith, royalty, and joy as residents and guests trooped in and out with smiles dancing round their faces.
From early morning, the town was awash with colour. Women and men in dazzling clothes and shimmering headgear and caps (gele and fila) moved gracefully through the streets while a masquerade adorned in its vibrant regalia danced majestically through the town, trailed by his jubilant followers, as the whole community erupted in celebration of the festival.
Traditional chiefs adorned with beads danced with unrestrained energy. Then came the moment everyone had waited for. Oba Ajayi, decked in an all-white attire complemented by long beads, was ushered into the event with pomp and pageantry, amidst traditional songs and thunderous sounds. The crowd erupted. It was not just an entrance. It was a coronation of pride and prestige.
As he approached his seat, salt was being sprinkled on the ground till he sat down – a sacred, symbolic act of purification, protection, and royal honour, rooted in the deep spiritual traditions of the town.
Erinmo did not celebrate alone. Royalty came calling. Leading the roll call of distinguished monarchs present was the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who served as the Grand Royal Father of the Day. Beside him sat the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland.
Other kings in attendance included the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Oluwafemi Agunsoye; the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Jimoh Adesoye Adetona; the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Adekunle Omoloye; the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Jokotola; the Oba Yoruba in Kano State, Engr. Muritala Alimi; the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Ipadeola Akinyooye; and the Awaraja of Iwaraja, Oba Sunday Ibironke.
Their presence turned the palace foyer into a rare gathering of crowns, a council of fathers.
The event started with prayers from leaders of Muslim, Christian and Traditional worshippers, a powerful symbol of Erinmo’s unity in diversity.
What followed was a feast for the eyes. Series of cultural dances with young men and women on display lit up the palace grounds, their feet moving in perfect sync with the drums as the royal fathers and guests were entertained.
The celebration also gave young girls a platform to visually express themselves and shine. In the Beauty Pageant contest for young Erinmo girls, Miss Damilola Odeleye emerged as the 2026 winner, to the applause of the crowd. All the contestants were presented with cash and clothes by the Elerinmo.
One of the most talked-about moments of the day was the unveiling of Agadagidi, the ancient herbal drink of Obalufon Alayemore.
According to the organisers, the herbal drink can cure heart diseases; it is also good for women in search of fruits of the womb; it can, in addition, treat cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. The drink was also said to have been certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In his remarks, the Olubadan admired the festival, called for unity among traditional rulers in Yorubaland and commended the town for unveiling the Agadagidi herbal drink.
“I want to specially appreciate the Elerinmo of Erinmo and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. This is a very good festival, and I salute the monarch for this. If we traditional rulers continue to work in unity, our society will be better.
“We need ourselves. The unveiling of Agadagidi herbal drink is another initiative that I commend, and I assure you of our support every time,” the Olubadan stated.
The Owa Obokun, in his characteristic calmness and spirituality, appreciated the Olubadan for gracing the occasion and showered prayers on the town and its king.
He said, “We received a special visitor in Osun today in the person of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Ladoja. Before he became a monarch, he had been acting like a king. I pray you continue to shine and have a long life.
“I also pray that the Lord who made Elerinmo, Oba Arowotawaya, the king, will make the town witness good things during his time.”
The monarch added, “Erinmo is a holy town where people from all over the country come to pray, and their prayers are answered. This shows that God is present in this town.
“Elerinmo has done a lot for the town through his contacts and exposure, and I pray God will continue to support him.”
Addressing the gathering, the Elerinmo expressed his joy at seeing the Olubadan and Owa Obokun as well as other traditional rulers in the town to celebrate with him.
Oba Ajayi said, “Olubadan of Ibadan and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland are my fathers, and I appreciate their presence here today. I knew Oba Ladoja since he was a Senator, and I am happy I know someone like him. I appreciate the honour he bestowed upon me by coming here today. I pray God will continue to honour you. We will always come to you for advice because you have seen it all.
“The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland left Lagos yesterday because of me and Oba Olubadan to be here today. I appreciate this a lot, and I pray for good health and long life for you. I also want to appreciate all the other monarchs who graced this occasion. You are my people, and may we continue to celebrate good things together.
“To other dignitaries, traditional chiefs and my people, I appreciate you all, and I pray that this will not be our last celebration on earth.”
The renowned Ifa priest, the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, led the divine prayer (Iwure) for the town with the pigeon (Eyele), invoking blessings, peace, and prosperity. The Olubadan, Owa Obokun and other traditional rulers at the event also prayed for the town.
The Bobajoko Adimula Gold Club of Ijesaland added glamour to the day when it presented a gift to the Elerinmo, who is their patron, in a show of loyalty and love.
The king then gave traditional blessings to all his chiefs and subjects after they had paid traditional homage to him.
Awards of recognition were also presented to various individuals for their support for the town, honouring those who have contributed to Erinmo’s progress.
In his separate remarks on the festival, Elebuibon commended the Elerinmo for what he described as his faithfulness to his purpose on the throne of his forebears. He maintained that the royal father’s root, being son of a prominent indigene of the town to be called Omoluabi, reflects in his comportment and disposition to the stool since he had ascended to the throne.
The Araba said with the likes of the Elerinmo, there is hope that Yoruba cultural heritage shall continue to wax stronger in the face of its distractors among traditional rulers, saying, as a matter of duty, each monarch is expected to serve as custodian of tradition of his respective town.
Elebuibon explained that it is undignified for a supposed royal father to make loose, unguarded statements against the culture. He, again, praised the Elerinmo for being different despite his accomplishment before his installation.
“I pray to Eledumare and all his ancestors to guide Elerinmo to realise his dream for his domain. It is pleasing being a part of this festival which remembered and celebrated our ancestors,” he noted.
The Agidanyin Festival was a huge success and fun; it was a day to remember where Erinmo came from and to declare where it is going.
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