Japhet Davidson

The people of Iperu – Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun state which is the home of famous Eyo festival, has promised to take the 2026 Eyo Iperu carnival to a global level as all necessary arrangements have been put in place for a successful festival.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of Eyo Iperu carnival committee Omooba Taiwo Owokalade during the press briefing in Lagos.

The 2026 Iperu Eyo festival which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the community with the theme, Preserving Culture, Promoting Unity’ is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25th April 2026 at Christ Apostolic Grammar School Field, Iperu Remo, Ogun State. The high profile festival which will reset the map of the community, will be chaired by Oba Olusegun Ogunye, Ojotumoro of Abigi, Waterside while the executive governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun will be the chief host.

Speaking at the briefing, Owokalade stated that Iperu town which is home of Eyo have been hosting the Eyo festival for years, but the 2026 Eyo Iperu carnival will be the first time the organisers are taking it to a global level to let the world know that Iperu-Remo is the origin of Eyo festival.

“From a very little beginning, the Eyo name and the brand has become a global brand. For us in Iperu, aside from letting the historical narrative be truthfully stated that Iperu is the cradle of Eyo, our primary focus is to use the celebration to showcase the rich cultural heritage of our people and to also drive tourism.”

Meanwhile, he added that “we are working on a documentary for the Eyo festival which will be released at the end of the festival.”

But on the famous Lagos Eyo festival which is well celebrated, Owokalade said, “in as much as Lagos popularised the Eyo festival which we are proud of but they have not claimed ownership of that, the truth is that Iperu-Remo is the cradle of Eyo festival.”

He further said, that the event, will be used to recognize some individuals who have played great role in the town’s cultural and developmental growth. These are; Olu Awotesu, a minister under the government of Shehu Shagari, Amusa Taiwo, a one-time chairman of Mushin Local Government, Dr. Mrs. Joke Sofowora, Chief Olusesan Ogunjembola, Kamorudeen Ariyo, Mufutau Oduwaye, Asiwaju Segun Lukman, Yeye Kehinde Osinowo, and Wale Oyekoya.