OGWALOPO: A REFLECTION ON A VISION FULFILLED
By Dr. Memunat Olayemi Mahmud
A few years ago, precisely in 2021, I was called upon by High Chief Akin Aruwajoye, CON, the Chairman of the Owo Cultural & Tourism Sub-committee of the Owo Development Council (of which I am a member), to Chair the 21st Century Igogo Festival Sub Committee. The assignment was simple, yet weighty: to upscale the Igogo Festival to 21st century standards.
I went back to my study. Locking my heart and my fingers onto the keyboard, I filled my computer with a vision – a vision that would speak long after it was conceived.
One of the ideas poured into that computer that night was Ogwalopo.
An idea, however beautiful, is nothing until it is expressed. So, I did not only commune with my computer – I gave the concept everything I had – I gave it passion, I gave it voice.
And I knew, even then, that what had come over me at the point of conception was more spiritual than me…!
High Chief Akin Aruwajoye, the Ogbeni Oja of Owo Kingdom was enthused by the idea.
The Olowo of Owo, Kabiyesi, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III listened, and keyed into it.
The Owo Cultural Heritage Organisation pursued it.
On the 14th of September, 2023, Ogwalopo was unveiled – alongside the Oroshen Beauty Pageant, also my idea, and the Igogo Festival Market, conceived purely by Kabiyesi, the Olowo of Owo. It happened right at the Olowo’s Palace, before a press conference that overflowed with witnesses.
And today, that idea – once innocent; once just a whisper on a screen – has gathered sons and daughters of Owo, on this 26th day of September, 2026. It has gathered friends, Associates, Dignitaries from far and near, all in Owo to celebrate!
Owo has made history. Ogwalopo has come to stay. From this day forward, Ogwalopo shall hold its place on the Calendar of Owo Kingdom – an annual celebration, alongside the Igogo Festival, for generations yet to come.
I thank High Chief Akin Aruwajoye, CON, for the opportunity that inspired this concept.
I thank Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III for keying into the vision and giving it wings.
I want to specially thank the members of the Owo Cultural Heritage Organisation Management Committee, who have pursued this vision – alongside the Igogo ceremony itself – with passion, for four unbroken years, under my leadership.
Special mention must be made of Mr. Johnson Oluata; High Chief Olakunori, the Elerewe of Owo Kingdom; High Chief Babs Olaluwoye, the Imaran of Owo Kingdom; High Chief (Alhaji) Lanre Obanigba, the Aare Bobajiroro of Owo Kingdom; Dr Deji Aseniserare; the Late Sir Ademola Adetula, MFR; Pastor Lanre Olaleye, Mr Kehinde Oluwatosin; and Prince Awelewa. May the soul of Sir Ademola Adetula find rest. Amen.
Finally, I must acknowledge High Chief Oyegbata, who was appointed to Co-Chair me, a few months ago, in the organisation of this maiden edition of Ogwalopo. I have watched him, with admiration, pour himself into making this maiden edition a success – his energy, his time, his resources! This was not just interest; this was deep! I give it to him.
To everyone who has been part of this journey – sons and daughters of Owo, friends, associates, dignitaries – thank you for witnessing this moment with us.
What began as a thought in my quiet study has today become a living tradition.
Ogwalopo has come to stay, and Owo will forever be the richer for it.
Long live Kabiyesi!
Long live Owo Kingdom!
Dr Memunat Olayemi Mahmud (The Visioner of Ogwalopo)
Chairman, OwoCHO Management Committee
Associate Professor of English Studies
Adekunle Ajasin University,
Akungba-Akoko.
Ondo State – Nigeria.
_yemimahmud@gmail.com_
