The palace of the Olu of Ilawo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, has officially released details of activities lined up to celebrate the monarch’s second coronation anniversary. The events will span an entire week and highlight both cultural heritage and community development.
The celebration begins on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, with a 7.5km Walkathon led by the monarch himself. The fitness walk, supported by Alternative Bank, will start from the Ilawo Royal Palace at 8 a.m., passing through Olumo and Itoku, down to Kereku Junction near Lafenwa Bridge, before returning to the palace. According to palace officials, the walk is not only a reflection of Kabiyesi’s personal fitness routine but also an effort to encourage healthy living and to signal the commencement of the anniversary week.
On Thursday, 18th September 2025, the focus shifts to health and sports with a medical outreach and a novelty football match at Alagbagba Village in Odeda Local Government Area. The outreach is aimed at reaching underserved rural dwellers who lack access to quality healthcare. With a team of doctors and health workers available for consultations, screenings, and treatments, beneficiaries will also receive free medications. The initiative continues the king’s tradition of using the anniversary to impact local communities, following last year’s outreach at Elegunmefa Village.
The following day, Friday, 19th September 2025, will be dedicated to special Islamic prayers at the Ilawo Palace Grounds. Muslim clerics, community leaders, and well-wishers will join the monarch and his chiefs in offering gratitude to Allah for peace and stability within the kingdom.
The high point of the celebrations comes on Saturday, 20th September 2025, when the palace hosts an anniversary reception, welcoming dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests from far and near.
On Sunday, 21st September 2025, attention turns to the church, with a Christian thanksgiving service scheduled at St. Peter’s Church, Ilawo.
The festivities will draw to a close on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, with the Obo Festival, a traditional ceremony honoring Ilawo’s ancient deity of fertility, a reminder of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
