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CULTURE

Owo Marks Obete Day with New Yam Feast, Uja Ugbama Finals, and Other Competitions

September 23, 2025 • 2 min read

By Tobi Akinnubi

September 23, 2025

The ancient town of Owo, on Monday, 22nd September 2025, observed Obete Day, a culturally significant occasion marking the first consumption of the new yam by the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and members of the royal household.

The festival, central to Owo’s heritage, drew indigenes and well-wishers who gathered to witness the monarch and his family uphold the age-long custom.

Highlights of the celebration included the grand finale of Uja Ugbama, a traditional wrestling contest that has become a major attraction of the season, alongside Ayo Olopan and other indigenous games, which added colour to the festivities of the ongoing Igogo Festival.

The events attracted a large turnout of spectators who cheered as participants displayed skill, strength, and cultural pride. In attendance to felicitate with the Olowo were traditional rulers from Owo Local Government Area, including the Olupenmen of Upenmen, Oliyere of Iyere, Oloba of Uso, Alale of Ulale Oko, Ajelu of Igbe, and Olose of Ose, among others.

Winners across various categories, male and female wrestling, Ayo Olopan, Ayo Epe, and Irun Didi (local hair weaving) were rewarded with cash prizes to promote sportsmanship and preserve indigenous culture.

The competitions were sponsored by prominent indigenes of the community, including Chief Dapo Oyegbata and Erelu Adunola Oyegbata (Uja Ugbama), the Olagbegi Royal Dynasty (Ayo Epe), Mr. Kayode Michael of African Kingdom Kitchen, Owo (Ayo Olopan), the Famoolagun Dynasty (Irun Didi), and Engr. Kayode Ijalana (Best Fluency in Owo Language Contest, a social media competition).

With the celebration of Obete Day alongside wrestling, games, and traditional displays, Owo once again showcased its rich cultural heritage, blending festivity with competition and royal tradition in a manner that continues to captivate both indigenes and visitors.