The town of Isiu, in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, was filled with color, excitement, and cultural pride as residents, dignitaries, and guests from far and near converged at the Eweye Palace Grounds for the 2025 Isiu Eweye Day Grand Finale. This year’s celebration, themed “Rebuilding Bonds, Rekindling Dreams,” was particularly significant as it was held alongside the 5th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, JP, the Eweye of Isiu Kingdom.

The event was not just a festival of culture—it was a grand convergence of tradition, education, community development, and royal celebration. The atmosphere brimmed with joy and pride as the people of Isiu reflected on their shared history, celebrated their collective achievements, and renewed their commitment to the growth of their community.

As part of the week-long festivities, the Isiu Eweye Development Association (ISEDASS) hosted a series of competitions designed to promote academic excellence among students. The competitions, held earlier in the week at LG Primary School, Isiu, featured scholarship contests and quiz segments across primary and secondary school categories.

In the Scholarship Category, Bamtoks College emerged as the overall winner, with Copeland College securing second place. Odongunyan Senior Grammar School and Great Kezino College shared third position, showcasing the vibrant academic spirit among schools in the region.

The Kahoot Quiz Competition saw young learners demonstrate exceptional intelligence and quick thinking. Farm Settlement Primary School took first place, while Anglican Akanun and Copeland Nursery and Primary School placed second and third respectively. For the junior secondary level, Bamtoks College continued its impressive streak by winning first position, followed by CTFEC International and Maya Junior Secondary School.

The competition, chaired by Alhaja Odumbo Monsurat and coordinated by Adeyemi Habeeb Adesanya, reflected the Eweye’s continued emphasis on youth empowerment and education. Their efforts, according to the organizers, were aimed at “building a generation of knowledgeable and responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the growth of Isiu Kingdom and beyond.”

In his royal address, Oba Olukayode David Raji, JP, the Eweye of Isiu Kingdom, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government, the local council, and the people of Isiu for their loyalty and cooperation throughout his reign. The monarch used the occasion of his fifth coronation anniversary to reflect on the progress made under his leadership—particularly improvements in electricity supply, infrastructural renewal, and youth engagement programs.

Oba Raji commended the youths and the organizing committee for their dedication in making the event a success. “Our culture and unity remain the foundation of our strength,” he said. “Let us continue to work together to rebuild bonds, rekindle our dreams, and secure a brighter future for the generations to come.”

He further prayed for sustained peace and prosperity in Isiu and neighboring communities, urging residents to remain steadfast in promoting the values of unity, hard work, and communal progress.

The Chairman of the Day, Otunba Adegoke, represented by Chief Lukman Awomodun, expressed admiration for Oba Raji’s visionary leadership and commitment to grassroots development.

He pledged continued support for community-driven projects and called on well-meaning sons and daughters of Isiu to contribute actively to the town’s growth.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, highlighted key developmental projects executed since the commencement of his administration, including road rehabilitation, youth empowerment initiatives, and market improvements.

He reaffirmed the council’s readiness to partner with the palace on future projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

The event’s grand finale was nothing short of spectacular. The palace grounds were beautifully decorated in vibrant traditional colors, while cultural troupes entertained guests with energetic dance performances, drum displays, and chants that echoed the rich Yoruba heritage. Royal Fathers,  chiefs, community leaders, and guests adorned in elegant traditional attire added to the grandeur of the celebration.

Traditional greetings, praise chants, and homage to the monarch filled the air, as guests took turns to congratulate the Eweye on his fifth year on the throne.

Awards and recognitions were also presented to distinguished individuals, community volunteers, and outstanding students whose efforts have contributed to the growth and positive image of Isiu.

Community members described this year’s edition as one of the most successful and well-organized celebrations in recent times. It was a true reflection of the festival’s theme: Rebuilding Bonds, Rekindling Dreams—and a reaffirmation of Isiu’s unity, growth, and shared commitment to a brighter future.