By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews| December 29, 2025
Omu-Aran, Kwara State — The ancient town of Omu-Aran was aglow with colour, tradition, and renewed communal spirit on Monday, December 30, 2025, as indigenes from across the country and beyond converged for the annual Asa Day, a major cultural highlight of the Odun Omu-Aran celebration.
The event, which drew a large crowd of traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women groups, and visitors, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Omu-Aran people while reinforcing the values of unity, identity, and collective development. The atmosphere was filled with cultural displays, traditional music, indigenous attire, and a strong sense of pride in Omu-Aran’s history and traditions.
The President of the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), while addressing the gathering, expressed deep appreciation to the Olomu of Omu-Aran and the entire king-in-council for their support and royal presence. He commended all individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the event, noting that this year’s celebration was better organised and more impactful than previous editions.
According to him, the steady improvement of the festival reflects the collective commitment of the people to preserve their heritage and promote unity. He expressed optimism that subsequent editions would be even more elaborate and impactful, adding that Omu-Aran remains on a steady path of growth and development.
The royal father of the day, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti Agboluaje (Olomu Efon II), the 34th Olomu of Omu-Aran, graced the occasion alongside members of the king-in-council. In his address, the monarch applauded the organizers for sustaining the cultural values of the town and charged all sons and daughters of Omu-Aran to remain committed to the progress of their community.
The monarch used the occasion to call for an increase in the number of political wards in Omu-Aran, stating that the town deserves not less than five wards to reflect its growing population and political relevance. He also commended the Omu-Aran Development Association and the Central Planning Committee for their dedication and organizational strength.
Furthermore, the Olomu acknowledged the contributions of the Omu-Aran Youth Alliance, noting that noticeable positive changes have occurred since its inauguration. He encouraged the group to strengthen its structure and identity, advising that the inclusion of “Assembly” in its name would further enhance its recognition and influence in future engagements.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Prince Ropo Adeboye, Chairman of the Omu-Aran Youth Alliance Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to all attendees, dignitaries, and community stakeholders who honoured the event with their presence. He conveyed the appreciation of the ODA President, Prince Niyi Adeyeye, and the Youth Alliance President, Hon. Rufus Oyedepo, assuring the people that future editions would be even more engaging, inclusive, and impactful.
In a separate interview with ABNews, Mr. Ademola Olanrewaju, a prominent indigene of Omu-Aran, described the event as a true reflection of unity, cultural pride, and collective purpose. He explained that the celebration, now formally known as Odun Omu-Aran—formerly Omu-Aran Day—was conceived to preserve the cultural identity of the town and promote togetherness among its people.
According to him, the festival showcases the richness of Omu-Aran culture through indigenous foods such as Eko-eda, Eko elewe, Ekuru, and other traditional delicacies, as well as the display of local attire and the use of the Igbomina dialect. He noted that traditional drinks like Emu (palm wine) were served, while modern bottled beverages were deliberately excluded to maintain cultural authenticity.
He further explained that Asa Day focuses primarily on cultural expression, while the following day is dedicated to social interaction, allowing friends, families, and well-wishers to reconnect, unwind, and strengthen bonds.
According to him, the event also serves as a platform for meaningful discussions on community development, unity, and strategies for the advancement of Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and the nation at large.
Mr. Olanrewaju urged sons and daughters of Omu-Aran living outside the town and in the diaspora to always return home for such gatherings, describing them as opportunities to reconnect with their roots and contribute meaningfully to the development of their homeland.
The successful hosting of the 2025 Asa Day once again reaffirmed Omu-Aran’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while fostering unity, progress, and a shared vision for the future.
