Diana Afolabi, Marvelous Adebayo emerge runners-up; sponsor Alex Ajipe promises bigger prize money, wider participation in 2027
By Jimoh Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief
OWO, ONDO STATE — Miss Oluwakemi Olugbode has emerged the winner of the 2026 Udan Oronsen Beauty Pageant, taking the coveted crown at the grand finale held on Sunday, September 20, at the Palace of the Olowo of Owo.
Olugbode emerged victorious after a keenly contested competition that saw contestants pass through various stages designed to test not only their beauty and poise, but also their confidence, intelligence, presentation and appreciation of Owo’s rich cultural heritage.
The grand finale was presided over by His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, alongside Yeyesa, Olori Olanike Ogunoye.
The colourful event attracted an enthusiastic audience and provided another major attraction of the ongoing Igogo Festival 2026.
Afolabi Diana Oyinkandola emerged as the first runner-up, while Adebayo Marvelous Temilade finished as the second runner-up.
The three leading contestants received cash prizes and certificates of participation, while they are also expected to embark on an international tour of selected African countries as part of the rewards attached to the competition.
MORE THAN BEAUTY AND PAGEANTRY
The Udan Oronsen Beauty Pageant has become an increasingly prominent feature of the Igogo Festival, combining contemporary pageantry with the preservation and promotion of Owo’s cultural identity.
The competition celebrates qualities including beauty, intelligence, confidence, cultural awareness and public presentation, while providing young women with a platform to participate actively in one of Owo’s most important annual cultural celebrations.
Its name is also closely connected with the enduring story of Oronsen, the legendary woman whose history is deeply woven into the traditional narrative of the Owo Kingdom and the origin of the Igogo Festival.
The pageant therefore seeks to place a contemporary face on an ancient cultural story.
AJIPE PROMISES BIGGER 2027 EDITION
Speaking at the grand finale, the sponsor of the pageant and business mogul, Dr Alex Ajipe, expressed his commitment to the continued growth of Udan Oronsen.
Ajipe pledged to increase the prize money for the 2027 edition and promised to attract more prominent personalities to the event.
He reaffirmed his determination to support the competition as part of efforts to sustain its growth and strengthen its contribution to the annual Igogo Festival.
The commitment is expected to further raise the profile of the pageant and create greater opportunities for young people to participate in activities associated with Owo’s cultural heritage.
OLOWO HAILS RISING STANDARD
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, expressed satisfaction with the standard attained by the competition, commending the contestants, sponsor and organisers for the successful 2026 edition.
The monarch said the Palace would continue to support initiatives capable of encouraging greater participation of youths in the Igogo Festival.
He commended Ajipe, members of the organising committee, individuals and organisations whose contributions helped make the event a success.
The Olowo also stressed that Udan Oronsen should not be viewed simply as a beauty contest.
According to him, the competition provides an avenue to celebrate Owo’s cultural identity while helping to preserve the memory and story of Oronsen for future generations.
BRIDGING TRADITION AND THE NEW GENERATION
The growing profile of Udan Oronsen reflects the wider evolution of the Igogo Festival.
While the traditional rites remain at the heart of the celebration, the introduction of youth-oriented activities has created additional platforms through which younger generations can connect with Owo’s heritage.
For many young participants and spectators, Udan Oronsen offers an opportunity to experience the festival from a contemporary perspective while remaining connected to its historical roots.
That balance between tradition and modernity is becoming increasingly important as Owo seeks to position Igogo as a cultural attraction capable of drawing wider attention to the kingdom.
The pageant also provides an avenue for young women to develop confidence, public-speaking skills and a deeper understanding of their cultural background.
LOOKING TOWARDS 2027
With the 2026 edition now concluded, expectations are already building around next year’s competition.
The promise of increased prize money and wider participation by prominent personalities could give the 2027 edition an even larger platform within the Igogo Festival.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Oluwakemi Olugbode, who has emerged as the Udan Oronsen Queen 2026.
Her victory adds another chapter to a pageant that is steadily carving out a place within Owo’s annual cultural calendar.
And as the Igogo Festival continues to bring together tradition, royalty, culture and contemporary expressions of Owo identity, Udan Oronsen is becoming another platform through which the kingdom tells its story to a new generation.
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