The 2026 Igede Agba celebration in Ibadan provided another platform for political and community engagement as Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, attended the cultural ceremony alongside members of his entourage.
Adekanmbi’s appearance at the event brought political attention to the concerns and aspirations of the Igede community in Oyo State, particularly issues surrounding recognition, agricultural development, inclusion and representation.
The APM adopted Adekanmbi as its consensus governorship candidate in May 2026. He is a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance and has subsequently embarked on engagements with different communities and political stakeholders across the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Ochete, Ajigboye and the Igede Connection
The event also highlighted the relationship between Comrade Simon Ochete and Hon. Ajigboye Akande Sangodade, the BoyeNation figure whose supporters have become associated with the APM political movement in Oyo State.
At the September 21 BoyeNation/JAF Movement mega concert in Ibadan, Ajigboye and his supporters were formally received into the APM, with the gathering also featuring APM leaders and candidates. Channels Television reported that the event attracted APC defectors and described it as an official reception for Sangogade and his supporters into the party.
Against that background, the presence of Adekanmbi at the Igede Agba celebration placed the APM candidate directly within a community setting where questions of political participation and representation are important to attendees.
Adekanmbi and the Agricultural Economy
A major issue raised during the engagement was agriculture.
The Igede community has strong historical connections to farming, while yam remains particularly significant to Igede cultural identity. The National Institute for Cultural Orientation identifies Igede Agba as a major cultural celebration associated with the new yam harvest, thanksgiving and community unity.
For the community, therefore, agricultural development is not simply an economic issue but also one connected to its cultural heritage and livelihood.
Adekanmbi was presented at the ceremony as expressing his intention to ensure that the contributions and potential of Igede people in Oyo State receive attention, particularly their farming and business activities.
The issue also fits into the broader agricultural direction already being pursued in Oyo State. The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency identifies agricultural production, processing, value addition and market development as important components of the state's agribusiness strategy.
The Question of Recognition and Representation
Another issue raised by members of the Igede community is the desire for greater formal recognition within the political structure of Oyo State.
Among the expectations expressed is consideration for representation or appointment of an Igede indigene within an eventual APM administration.
For the community leadership, such representation would provide a formal channel through which the concerns of Igede residents could be communicated to government and incorporated into broader development planning.
The traditional head of the Igede community in Oyo State also reportedly welcomed Adekanmbi and appreciated Ajigboye for facilitating his attendance at the festival.
APM’s Message of Continuity
Adekanmbi has publicly positioned himself around continuity and development. In September, he said he intended to build on projects and policies of the current administration where they were producing positive results, while maintaining that he would pursue his own leadership approach.
He has also spoken about agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, workers' welfare and other areas as issues requiring sustained attention in Oyo State.
The Igede Agba engagement consequently offered an opportunity for the APM candidate to interact with a community whose interests intersect with some of these development priorities.
For the Igede community, the central questions remain clear: recognition, inclusion, agricultural opportunity, representation and a stronger connection with government.
For APM and Adekanmbi, engagements such as the Igede Agba ceremony provide a forum to hear those expectations directly as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 election.
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