Makinde absent as 2025 Igboora Twins festival rounded in Ruckus.

As the 2025 global Twins festival rounded up on Saturday, 11th October 2025 with the grand finale at Igboora, the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government area of Oyo State, the executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Eng. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde was absent for the second time in the last three years. It will be recalled that the Governor was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, H.E Bar. Bayo Lawal at the 2024 edition of the Global Twins festival.

Meanwhile, a significant commotion rounded up the event when some suspected miscreants tried to extort guests exiting the event.

Panic erupted at the venue following sporadic gunshots by security operatives as they clear way for the exit of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Owoade from the venue.
The incident later spread to the Pako Market – Gbotikale area, forcing residents and traders to flee for safety.

Reactions from residents affirmed that unethical situation is happening for first time in the anals of the festival.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade described the festival as one of the uniqueness of the Yoruba race. The monarch who was full of joy rounded up with a Yoruba lyrics: ” epo nbe ewa nbe o…..”

The chairman of the occasion and Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA lauded Gov. Seyi Makinde’s visionary step toward promoting a rich cultural heritage and unlocking tourism potential in Oyo State.

Chief Adegoke commended the Igboora community for sustaining and celebrating the town’s unique cultural identity which he described as a symbol of unity, pride, and opportunity, noting that “the occasion will not only attract tourists from across the world but also spur infrastructural and economic development within the community and across Oyo State, which remains the pride of the South-West region”, he added.

The Olu of Igboora, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Titiloye in his speech appreciated the Oyo State Government under the pragmatic leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for the sustainability of the Igboora uniqueness of Twins festival. He used the medium to appeal to the Oyo State Government on various infrastructural challenges dimining the socioeconomic development of the town and Ibarapa region.

Traditional rulers at the event include the Olu of Igboora, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Onifiditi of Fiditi, Alhaja Wasilat Adedigba and other traditional rulers from Ibarapa and Okeogun region.

Political functionaries include the Oyo State ALGON Chairman and Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, who represented the Executive Governor of Oyo State;
the host Chairman, Hon. Shola Adeleke; Hon. Anthony Adepoju (Ibarapakan), Member, House of Representatives for Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituenc, (Dr.) Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism;
Hon. Lateef Akorede, Executive Chairman, Ibarapa North Local Government; Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, Executive Chairman, Ido Local Government among others.