By Milton Tella – The much-anticipated celebration of cultural heritage of the Yoruba people tagged AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival, which was held on Friday 11th October in Mitcham, Surrey, had in attendance royal guests from Africa, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The international AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival, which is the second edition of the cultural extravaganza, was truly a colourful gathering of royals and celebrity guests from all walks of life.
The Special Guests of Honour were His Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Croydon, Cllr. Kolapo Agboola & Consort Mrs Helen Agboola.
Royal guests of Honour in attendance included His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja 11 represented by AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival Royal Matron HRM Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi Founder/CEO Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) and Princess Toyin Ogunwusi, HRM Oba (Dr) Adeyemi Adekeye represented by HRM Olori Oluwabunmi Adekeye, HRH Erelu Lola Ayonrinde Tunwase Ajiun former Mayor of London Borough of Wandsworth, Princess Golda Tiwalade Abiola and Prince Mike Abiola the royal couple who won the Boxing Champ, Anthony Joshua’s personally autographed boxing gloves, the AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival 2024 Special Charity Fundraiser.
Other VIP guests were International actress Ellen Thomas and Motown Star & Legendary Singer/Songwriter Ms Gloria Jones.
The night of culture and glamour was masterfully orchestrated by HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin – Solarin Royal Host & Founder of AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival and HRH Duchess Adebukola Adebiyi AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival Programme Director & Chief Host.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Awards Ceremony, where 14 Individuals and 3 Groups who have dedicated themselves to cultural preservation and community service were honoured.
Special Recognition Awards went to Motown Star & Legendary Singer/Songwriter Ms Gloria Jones as she celebrated 60 years of her Hit Song Tainted Love and UK’s renowned Leading House Music Group Heartless Crew.
The entertaining gala night was compered by the duo of Lady Doyin Ola and Abayomi Tijani aka DJ Abass, while DJ Jossy Ladd supplied music. The AŞO-ĘBÍ Festival International has come to establish its mark in the annual UK’s entertainment calendar. It was indeed a night to remember.