IJEBULAND SET FOR 2026 AGEMO FESTIVAL

Preparations are in top gear for the 2026 Agemo Festival in Ijebuland, with organisers announcing that this year’s celebrations will commence on July 4 and continue on July 5, 2026.

The opening phase of the revered cultural event will feature the traditional movement of Agemo masquerades from various Ijebu communities to Imosan-Ijebu, the historic meeting point where key festival rites are observed.

As part of the annual procession, the masquerades are expected to pass through several towns and major roads across Ogun State, including the Epe/Oke-Owa, Isiwo, Omu/Ala/Egbe/Ejinrin, Erunwon/Oke-Aje, and Ijebu-Imushin/Ilese/Army Barracks routes, as well as sections of the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

Festival authorities identified the recognised procession corridors as Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Isiwo-Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Imushin-Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye-Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu-Ijebu-Ode, Lagos Garage-Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road/Ibadan Garage-Ijebu-Ode, and Okun-Owa-Ijebu-Ode routes.

The Erinlu Roundabout in Ijebu-Ode has been designated as the central convergence point before the masquerades proceed to Imosan-Ijebu.

Motorists and residents have been advised to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions and diversions along affected routes during the procession. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with security personnel and festival officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

Organisers also reminded residents to observe established cultural traditions associated with the festival. Women, in particular, have been advised to take note of customary guidelines and plan their movements accordingly from noon on the festival days.

Widely regarded as one of the most important cultural festivals in Yorubaland, the Agemo Festival continues to showcase the rich heritage, customs, and unity of the Ijebu people while attracting widespread attention from visitors and cultural enthusiasts.