Speaking during the 2025 Ibara Day Celebration on Saturday, Chief Kufile explained that both communities have now reached a clear understanding of their respective boundaries.
The Oluwo noted that the location been used for the celebration is a neutral, open environment belonging to a school, and therefore accessible to both communities.
He expressed satisfaction that the relationship between Ijemo and Ibara, which dates back to the 19th century, has been restored.
“ If you look around you will see that this environment from Ijemo Land , but it’s free place , this is school compound, it’s a free place where either party can use , so far so good, we have relationship in the past with Olubara and everybody in Ibara , but suddenly some people try to create a kind of dichotomy between us , I believe that has been put to rest and I don't think it will come up again because it’s clear to everybody where they belong and where they are”.
Chief Kufile also extended goodwill to the people of Ibara and congratulated the Olubara of Ibara, His Royal Majesty Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade, on the celebration of Ibara Day, describing him as a respected elder and leader.
“I wish the Ibara people all the very best , we are friends, we have been living together since they came in 1862, so we have no issues , is just that some people wanted to create problem between us but I congratulate the Olubara and all the good people of Ibara”.
In his remarks , the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, congratulated the people of Ibara on the Ibara Day Celebration.
Alake prayed for long life and good health for the Olubara of Ibara, acknowledging the deep personal connection between their families. “Our senior sitting here, the Olubara, will live long by God’s grace because his father was my teacher at Baptist Boys High School,” Alake recalled.
He expressed optimism about the continued growth and development of the town saying that “Ibara will continue to make progress.”
While addressing the people of Ibara, the Olubara of Ibara HRM. Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade, expressed appreciation to the people of Ibara and called for greater support in the ongoing development of Ibara palace.
“We have rehabilitated our palace, but I’m not satisfied with the way it currently looks. We need the assistance of the people of Ibara to build a befitting palace that truly represents our heritage,” the monarch said. “Wherever Ibara people are, may God continue to be with them.”
Dignitaries present at the event included Otunba Gbenga Daniel ably represented by Dr. Kehinde Sogunle, former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Fasiu Ajadi, representing Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Hon. Fagbayi Olusesan, ably represented by the Deputy Director of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Abdul Razaq Abdul Salam, the Chairman of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Barrister Habeeb Ajayi, the Special Assistant to the Governor, Prince Ifekayode Akinbode, Chairman Abeokuta South Local Government , Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afees
among others.
