The week-long activities to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade I, kicked off yesterday, July 19, 2026, with traditional prayers at the monarch’s palace, as the kingdom rolled out programmes to celebrate a decade of his reign.

The opening ceremony, known as Iwure, brought together custodians of Igbogbo’s traditional institution, who offered prayers for the monarch, the kingdom and the success of the anniversary celebration.

In his welcome address, the Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, Tajudeen Onasanya, traced Oba Kasali’s journey to the throne, describing him as a man who had served the community long before becoming its traditional ruler.

Also, Vice Chairman of the coronation anniversary planning committee, Adebimpe Akinsola, who spoke with The Guardian, said the traditional prayers marked the official commencement of the anniversary activities.

She said the week-long programme was designed not only to celebrate the monarch but also to leave lasting benefits for the people of Igbogbo.

According to her, activities lined up for the celebration include a medical outreach, awareness rally on sexual and gender-based violence, novelty football match, distribution of palliatives, visit to orphanage homes, a public lecture, conferment of chieftaincy titles, Market Men and Women Day, Jumat prayers, a grand finale and a thanksgiving service.

Akinsola also disclosed that some projects would be commissioned as legacy projects to commemorate the anniversary, while entrepreneurship would feature prominently during the public lecture to encourage young people to explore opportunities beyond white-collar employment.

Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olalekan Hammed Aroyewun, described Oba Kasali as a progressive-minded monarch whose reign had witnessed notable improvements in infrastructure and community development.

He said the palace and the council had maintained a cordial relationship over the years, adding that the local council regularly sought the advice of the traditional institution before embarking on major projects.

Aroyewun also called for greater constitutional recognition for traditional rulers, saying that they remain central to grassroots development and community decision-making.

Besides, the immediate past Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and Otunba Tadese of Igbogbo Kingdom, Olusesan Daini, described the monarch as a peaceful and development-focused leader.

He said the construction of the new Adeboruwa Palace during his administration was aimed at preserving the kingdom’s heritage and strengthening the traditional institution.

The grand finale of the anniversary celebration will hold on July 25, 2026, at Zumuratul Grammar School, Igbogbo, while a thanksgiving service will conclude the activities on July 26 to mark the monarch’s ascension to the throne as the eighth Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.