AIG Bassey Ewah Joins Olowu of Kuta, Traditional Rulers, Others to Celebrate Historic Egungun Festival

 Oriontimes Newsroom| November 1, 2026

KUTA, OSUN STATE — The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, has joined the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), CON, and other distinguished guests to celebrate the 2026 Egungun Festival in Kuta, Osun State.

The colourful celebration, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the palace of the traditional ruler, marked a significant moment in the cultural history of Kuta, being the first edition to feature extensive carnival activities as part of the annual festival.

The event attracted an array of traditional rulers, traditional worshippers led by Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State (TRWASO), community stakeholders, distinguished personalities, indigenes and residents of the kingdom.

AIG Ewah was accompanied by senior police officers, including ACP Temitayo Ogunjeminsin, Area Commander, Iwo; ACP Ngozi Braide, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Zone 11; CSP Olanrewaju Reuben, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ile-Ogbo Division; CSP Osungbure Gbenga, DPO, Iwo Division; SP Ojedele Olanrewaju, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer; and SP Courage Irabor, Personal Assistant to the AIG.

Speaking at the event, AIG Ewah described the Egungun Festival as an important expression of the rich cultural heritage, traditions and identity of the Yoruba people.

He commended the Olowu of Kuta for his initiative and foresight in organising an elaborate cultural celebration, noting that festivals of such significance provide valuable opportunities to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, cultural preservation and stronger communal relationships.

The police chief also underscored the importance of preserving cultural values and traditions that encourage peace, harmony and community development.

He further called on traditional institutions and community leaders to sustain their support for security agencies in the collective responsibility of maintaining law and order.

In his response, the Olowu of Kuta expressed profound appreciation to the AIG for honouring the kingdom's invitation despite his demanding official engagements.

The monarch described the AIG's presence as a demonstration of his commitment to strengthening relationships between the Nigeria Police Force and traditional institutions, emphasising the importance of community partnerships in building a safer society.

The 2026 Egungun Festival provided another opportunity for the people of Kuta to celebrate their cultural identity, promote indigenous traditions and strengthen the bonds that unite the kingdom.

The development also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in fostering community engagement and constructive relationships with security agencies.

Signed by:

SP OJEDELE OLANREWAJU, ANIPR, MSPSP

Zonal Police Public Relations Officer

Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo.

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