… Rep. Babajimi Benson to be Honoured as Grand Commander of the Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association

The Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association (IKIDASS) has unveiled the first edition of the Ibeshe Festival today, 6th of October, a vibrant celebration of the kingdom’s rich history, culture, and heritage. Also, the Ankara, vests, caps, and other materials were unveiled showcasing the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.

According to the Chairman of the Association Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, “Ibeshe Kingdom has a long rich history and has been in existence for so many years, and it is a Kingdom who has produced great people in the helm of affairs in the state and the country at large. As a Kingdom with long rich heritage and history, we thought of it that it is also pertinent to host an annual festival that will bring sons, daughters and its environs to come together celebrate the Kingdom.”

He further noted that other cities have been celebrating their own festivals, such as Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode, and other neighbouring communities festivals, it is time for Ibeshe Kingdom to also start its own celebration. “It is time for these communities to also join us in this celebration, using this medium to invite them to our maiden edition of our Ibeshe Kingdom.”

The Chairman, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya revealed that the festival will officially commence on Monday, October 6, 2025, with a soccer tournament that will engage local sports enthusiasts and foster community spirit.

From October 11 to 15, the Kith and Kin Sports Center will host a series of athletic events, followed by the Miss Ibeshe Beauty Pageant running from November 15 to December 17, 2025, at the IKIDASS Hall.

The main festival days, referred to as the “Events Proper,” will include a range of traditional and cultural activities. The boat regatta (Isiko), Iwure Odun prayers at Olubeshe Palace, the Woro procession around Ibeshe Land, and various cultural displays at Olubeshe Palace will form the core celebrations.

The festival’s first major day, Saturday, December 13, will take place at Olubeshe Palace and feature competitions such as Card 52, Draft, Ludo, and other games. This day will also highlight participation from Community Development Associations (CDAs), youth groups, market women, artisans, ethnic groups, and horse rides. The ongoing Miss Ibeshe Pageant will also be showcased.

On Wednesday, December 17, the festival will continue with events held between Olubeshe Palace and IKIDASS Hall, leading up to the grand finale on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Ibeshe Ferry Terminal.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to attend the grand finale as the Special Guest of Honour. The closing day will also feature the IKIDASS Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding political office holders and contributors to the kingdom’s development.

The ceremony will honor Babajimi Benson, Grand Commander of the Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association, and spotlight exemplary youth serving as role models within the community.

Additional festivities will include the public presentation of Miss Ibeshe, a Regberegbe parade, and a parade of Baales (local chiefs). A major highlight will be the official unveiling of the new Ibeshe Kingdom vision called “IBESHE ARISE”, a comprehensive five-point development plan aimed at driving growth and modernization across the kingdom, including the construction of a modern palace.

Entertainment for the finale will feature a live band performance by renowned artist Taye Currency.

In his address, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom, expressed optimism about the festival’s timing and impact. He emphasized that although the festival’s realization may have seemed long-awaited, it is now the moment defined by divine will to bring the community together in unity and progress.

Olubeshe called on all sons and daughters of Ibeshe, both at home and abroad, as well as neighboring communities, to join and support the celebration. He stressed that the festival will lay the groundwork for years of development, aiming to achieve far-reaching improvements beyond just the next five years.


The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, represented by Barr. Ade Ayeni, Vice Chairman of the LCDA, promised to support the kingdom’s development projects.

He congratulated the people of Ibeshe on this new feat and emphasized that the LCDA has projects in pipeline for Ibeshe, which have been discussed with the kingdom’s leaders.

The festival will also feature the presentation of the new Ibeshe Kingdom Vision, “IBESHE ARISE,” a 5-development plan aimed at improving the kingdom’s infrastructure and promoting its growth. The plan includes the construction of a modern palace.

With its rich cultural heritage and exciting events, the Ibeshe Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, and the organizers invite everyone to come and join in the celebration.