Man vandalizes Agemo statue in Ijebu Ode, Police recover crown
Tension briefly flared in Ijebu Ode on Saturday after a man reportedly damaged the revered Agemo statue located at the Itoro Roundabout.
The suspect, identified as Jeremiah Nwoke, allegedly desecrated the Agemo Shrine by severing the statue’s crown. Authorities have since recovered the missing crown, which is now in safe custody at the Obalende Police Station.
Prompt intervention by police officers at the scene helped de-escalate tensions and prevent a potentially violent reaction from traditional worshippers who had gathered in response to the incident.
The Agemo deity holds a significant place in the cultural and religious life of the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria. Celebrated annually, the Agemo Festival features a procession of 16 masquerades—each representing different Ijebu towns—who embark on a pilgrimage to Imosan to perform traditional rites and dances, seeking blessings for fertility, prosperity, and communal unity.
With roots tracing back to Obanta, the founder of Ijebu, the Agemo cult was established as an annual assembly of priests to foster unity and address communal concerns. Today, the festival stands as a cornerstone of Ijebu cultural identity, attracting both locals and visitors with its rich display of tradition and communal harmony.
Statues such as the one at Itoro Roundabout are not merely decorative; they embody the spirit and heritage of the Agemo deity. Strategically placed throughout the region, these statues are focal points during the festival and hold deep spiritual significance. As such, any act of vandalism against them is viewed as a grave affront to the cultural and spiritual values of the Ijebu people.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect is currently undergoing psychological evaluation, as initial assessments suggest he may be mentally unstable.
Despite the disruption, calm has returned to Ijebu Ode, as authorities have assured residents and visitors of their safety while investigations into the incident continue.
