The 2026 Agbinrekoti Festival-Imeko Day has officially commenced with a football competition, as the people and residents of Imeko in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State were commended for sustaining the cordial relationship among the various quarters and peoples of the town over the years.
Speaking yesterday before the kickoff of the football competition, which marked the official flag-off of this year’s festival, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Otunba Dr. Anthony Adewale Ajibode, described Imeko as a peaceful community where people are always happy to return.
Ajibode, who was represented at the competition by the General Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Olutunde Aninkan, said the essence of the football match was not necessarily to win at all costs, but to provide an opportunity for the people to fraternise, reconnect and further strengthen the cordial relationship existing among the various quarters.
Also speaking at the event, the Asoju of Imeko, High Chief Fola Olaleye, expressed delight at the impressive turnout of people for this year’s festival.
He described the festival as a veritable homecoming for the indigenes and friends of Imeko, noting that many indigenes living outside the town had returned to celebrate with their people.
Olaleye urged participants and residents to make the most of the occasion by reconnecting with one another and getting to know each other better.
The festival was officially flagged off with a football match between Mayehun Quarters and Ahoro-Ile Orisun Quarters, with Mayehun emerging victorious by a lone goal.
In a press statement e-signed by Ajibode, the Central Planning Committee said the football competition served as a major pre-festival activity to herald the much-anticipated Agbinrekoti Festival-Imeko Day 2026.
The committee called on sons and daughters of Imeko, football enthusiasts, youth groups, stakeholders and members of the general public to turn out en masse to participate in and witness the various programmes lined up for the festival.
The football competition commenced at 4:00 p.m. at the AUD Playground, Imeko.
The committee assured residents and visitors of a peaceful, exciting and memorable celebration, while appreciating the continued support of the people of Imeko towards the success of this year’s festival.
