The annual Ojude Oba festival in Ijebuland, which took place on Friday, June 30th 2023, brought together indigenes of Ijebuland from across the globe. This historical event, traditionally held two days after the Eid Kabir celebration, provides a platform for the people of the ancient town to pay homage to the Aawujale of Ijebuland, presently HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona. The theme for the 2023 edition of Ojude Oba was “A Lesson in Religious Harmony,” featuring various activities, performances, and cultural displays.
Among the age grades recognized at the event, one stood out: the newly registered Egbe Arobayo Obirin Precious Akile Ijebu, led by Iyalode Ebudola Funmilayo Adunni as Iyalode Egbe. A Lagos-based business magnate, she is also the Executive Director of Funmi Beauty World, Funmi Beauty and SPA, Funmi Beauty Hairs and Braids, Ebudola Aso Oke Palace, and more.
The highlight of the event was the stylish display of different age groups known as ‘regberegbe,’ each dressed in bright and colorful attire. Egbe Arobayo Obirin Precious Akile Ijebu’s uniqueness shone brightly as they paraded around the Ojude Oba arena, capturing everyone’s attention. The festival also featured a horse-riding competition, cultural displays, and performances.
Recognizing the outstanding performance of Egbe Arobayo Obirin Precious Akile Ijebu, the Elitist Media team conducted an exclusive interview with Iyalode Ebudola Olufunmilayo Adunni, the Women Leader of the age grade, unveiling the secrets behind their success.
Please tell us about yourself.
I am Iyalode Ebudola Oluwafunmilayo Adunni, a Nigerian/British native of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. I hold the position of Iyalode Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious Akile Ijebu. I am an entrepreneur and socialite, specializing in skincare. My educational journey began at Emmanuel Primary School, and I completed my secondary education at Obokun Grammar School in Ilesha, Osun State. I obtained my A-levels from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) and earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Newham College, East Ham. Additionally, I received certificates in Cosmetology and Professional Skincare from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, United Kingdom. I have held various roles, including Administrative Officer at Luna House in Croydon, United Kingdom, and positions within the Ministry of Environment in King’s Cross, United Kingdom. Currently, I am the CEO of Funmi Beautyworld SPA in the UK and Nigeria, Funmi Beauty Hairs and Braids, and Ebudola Alaso-Oke. I have received several awards, including Best Skin Care Specialist in Nigeria by City People Magazine, Elitist Woman of the Year by Elitist Media International Leadership Award, and Most Supportive Business Woman by African Business Groups Nigeria, among other prestigious recognitions and accolades.
What does the annual Ojude Oba festival mean to you?
Ojude Oba is an annual festival in Ijebuland that serves to promote our rich culture and heritage. It is a time when sons and daughters of Ijebuland come together to pay royal homage to our King, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who is presently HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona. Under the umbrella of regberegbe (age grades), the Ojude Oba festival goes beyond the physical celebration of the third day after Eid Kabir. It is also an opportunity for Ijebu indigenes to unite for developmental projects in Ijebuland, including reaching out to the less privileged through humanitarian work.
What motivated you to establish Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious Akile Ijebu?
As an indigene of Ijebu, I joined the daughters of Ijebuland who belong to the age grade born between 1968 and 1970 several years ago. I joined Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Akile Ijebu to make a significant impact on the development of Ijebuland, both in Ijebu Ode and Isan. My goal was to assist the elderly, widows, children with special needs, the handicapped, and many others. Additionally, I wanted to ensure that my family name was etched on the map of Ijebuland because having a sense of belonging within your immediate community is valuable. This aspiration led to the creation of the Arobayo Precious age grade. Moreover, Ijebuland is rich in both human resources and developmental projects, and I aimed to leave my mark on this vibrant community.
Could you share more about Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious Akile Ijebu?
Egbe Arobayo Precious Akile Ijebu is designed for Ijebu indigenes within the age group born between 1968 and 1970. We made our first appearance at the 2023 Ojude Oba annual festival.
Your age grade appears to have a strong bond of harmony and remarkable achievements.
What is the secret to your success?
Our name alone sets us apart; while there are numerous Egbe Arobayo age grades among Ijebu, ours is unique because we have the distinguishing adjective “Precious.” Egbe Arobayo Precious Akile Ijebu always stands out among its peers. Moreover, our membership speaks volumes. Although we belong to the same age grade, there is a profound respect for our executive leadership. Our age grade’s empowerment program is second to none. We are a community of joyful and progressive individuals.
Egbe Arobayo Precious showcased some of the best apparel at Ojude Oba 2023.
Where did you source these beautiful clothing materials?
These stunning garments are the handiwork of Ebudola Aso-Oke Palace. At Ebudola Aso-Oke, we are dedicated to creativity, and our watchword is quality. We have a wide range of beautiful Aso-Oke designs.
Concerning membership, can non-Ijebu Ode indigenes become members of your age grade?
Absolutely not. Membership in Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious Akile Ijebu is exclusively open to sons and daughters of Ijebu land. However, if any of our sons-in-law or daughters-in-law express interest, they are warmly welcomed. The decision to accept non-Ijebu indigenes lies with the age grade leadership, but such individuals must pledge their loyalty, commit to being law-abiding members, and adhere to our code of conduct. They are classified as adopted members and cannot hold executive positions.
What are the benefits of joining Egbe Arobayo Obinrin Precious Akile Ijebu?
Joining our age grade offers numerous advantages, including networking opportunities, friendship, empowerment, financial support, unity, and an abundance of love.
What distinguishes your age grade from others?
Transparency, discipline, and a democratic approach to leadership differentiate our age grade. We believe in democracy rather than dictatorship. We regard our members as joyful companions.
What advice do you have for low-income earners in Nigeria during this period of rising inflation?
I would advise them not to lose hope and to stay focused. Remain dedicated to your own business instead of venturing into someone else’s. Invest in advertising your business, continue networking with other business leaders, and persevere through the challenges.
Could you tell us more about your company, Ebudola Aso Oke?
Aso-Oke has been my family’s business for generations, and I was involved in it from a young age, assisting my mother in selling Aso-Oke materials in Ibadan years ago. Recently, I decided to revive my mother’s thriving business. Linking Aso-Oke with skincare is a testament to the fact that when you wear quality clothing on healthy skin, the combination is truly complementary. So, I believe I am on the right path, as the DNA of both businesses is interconnected.
