All roads will lead to the ancient city of Ota, as the 2026 Iganmode Cultural Festival, also known as Odun Omo Iganmode, is set to hold from December 11 to 19, 2026, bringing together cultural enthusiasts, stakeholders, traditional rulers, sons, daughters, and residents of the Awori people, to celebrate the history, culture and identity of the Awori.
The Odun Omo Iganmode is an annual cultural festival celebrating the rich cultural, spiritual and historical heritage of the Awori Yoruba people of Ota and “Iganmode,” the legendary warrior and revered ancestor of the Awori people. The week-long festival, now in its 34th edition since its debut in 1992 as Iganmode Day, remains the biggest cultural homecoming for the Awori Yoruba people of Ota, in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Benin Republic and the diaspora.
The festival, themed “Our Culture, Our Environment, Our Future,” is scheduled to take place at the Ota Township Stadium, Ogun State. Organisers say the theme reflects the festival’s commitment to deepening appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Awori People, while promoting environmental responsibility, cleanliness and sustainability through “Plant a Tree” green campaign.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 2026 Central Planning Committee, the Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, tasked it to deliver an impactful and inclusive festival.
“You must ensure that all relevant stakeholders are carried along in the planning process, while developing a week-long programme that is broad, inclusive, engaging and beneficial to the people,” he said.
His Majesty particularly emphasised the need for programmes that would empower and meaningfully engage the Awori youths, including sporting activities and other initiatives aimed at discovering, nurturing and showcasing their talents, while creating opportunities for personal and community development.
The 2026 edition promises an impressive display of vibrant cultural processions, traditional rites, royal appearances, youth empowerment, dance, and a strong sense of community pride honouring the rich Awori heritage passed down through generations.
Beyond this, the festival will also feature the “Plant a Tree” Green Campaign, the spiritual and mystical heritage of the Ota Awori, with Egungun masquerade displays and a special unveiling of Awori Fashion and cultural identity at the Grand Finale on December 19.
