The Araba of Ado-Odo Kingdom, Chief Awobola Ifayemi, led a delegation of tourists and cultural students from the United States of America to the ancient town of Ado-Odo in Ogun State as part of a week-long cultural and spiritual programme showcasing the kingdom’s rich heritage.
The programme, designed by the Araba to expose visitors to Yoruba traditions and practices, included immersive experiences in historic worship centres and cultural sites. Many of the visiting students are currently studying the Ifa tradition under the guidance of Chief Ifayemi.
On Thursday, 12 March 2026, the delegation was warmly received at the palace by the Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo Kingdom, Aworiland, His Majesty Oba Olusola Idris Adebowale Lamidi-Osolo, Otenibotemole II. Speaking during the visit, Chief Ifayemi expressed appreciation to the monarch for supporting the initiative and promoting Yoruba culture globally.
“Ado-Odo is immensely rich in culture and tradition, comparable to other historic Yoruba towns such as Ilé-Ifẹ̀ and Ọyọ́,” the Araba said.
Receiving the visitors, the monarch commended the Araba for his dedication to projecting Ado-Odo’s cultural heritage internationally. “We are proud of what you are doing. Elédùmarè will continue to strengthen and support your efforts,” he said, adding that Ado-Odo’s historical roots underscore the importance of preserving cultural identity.
As a mark of honour, Oba Lamidi-Osolo presented the visitors with the Ìkòkò Ọ̀tùn (Amuwa Pot), a symbolic representation of the town’s origin and ancestral heritage. He also encouraged the students to see themselves as part of the African family and, through cultural naturalisation, as indigenes of Ado-Odo.
Also present at the reception was the Aro of Ado-Odo Kingdom, High Chief Quadri Gafar-Iseki, who described the town as a place of remarkable cultural significance and enduring traditional heritage.
During the cultural tour, the visitors explored more than twelve historic worship centres, including Ilaje, Itako, Bukuu, and Isanyin temples. At each site, they were introduced to the historical origins and cultural significance of the locations and shown traditional artefacts reflecting the kingdom’s rich legacy.
Speaking on behalf of the visitors, Oluwo Ifalowo Marshal expressed gratitude to the monarch and the people of Ado-Odo, describing the experience as deeply inspiring. “We are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Ado-Odo and remain committed to preserving and promoting Yoruba traditions around the world,” he said.
The tourists later joined the monarch in dancing to the ancestral Gbedu drums inside the palace, creating a vibrant display of cultural unity. Many of the visitors described the experience as memorable and promised to make the programme an annual engagement while bringing more tourists to Ado-Odo in the future.
The week-long programme is expected to culminate today with a grand finale ceremony, with the Olofin Adimula Oodua serving as Royal Father of the Day.
