The winner of the Udan Oronshen Beauty Pageant, Igogo Festival 2026, Miss Oluwakemisola Olugbode, has felicitated with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo and the entire sons and daughters of the Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Day and the commencement of a new month.
Addressing journalists in Owo, Miss Olugbode described the coincidence of the October 1 Independence anniversary with the beginning of a new month as an auspicious moment for reflection, renewed hope and collective responsibility.
She wished the monarch and the people peace, prosperity, divine favour and remarkable accomplishments in their various legitimate endeavours. She further expressed the hope that Nigeria would continue to make meaningful progress in liberty, justice, unity and national development while communities across the country remain steadfast in preserving their cultural heritage.
The beauty queen also conveyed her profound appreciation to Kabiyesi, the Royal Fathers, chiefs, elders, the Udan Oronshen Promoters Initiative, sponsors, organisers, contestants, families, friends and the general public for the immense goodwill and support extended to her and other participants during the just-concluded Igogo Festival and Udan Oronshen Beauty Pageant 2026.
According to her, her emergence as Queen should not be construed merely as a ceremonial accomplishment but as a responsibility requiring dignity, discipline, cultural consciousness and purposeful representation.
She noted that the crown had imposed on her a corresponding obligation to promote the values, cultural identity and positive aspirations of the people, adding that she accepted the honour with profound humility and a firm commitment to responsible stewardship.
Miss Olugbode further observed that the grandeur of the 2026 celebration had demonstrated the enduring vitality of the people's cultural heritage, stressing that tradition should not be regarded as an antiquated relic but as a living inheritance capable of coexisting meaningfully with contemporary realities.
She commended everyone whose prayers, encouragement, resources and personal sacrifices contributed to the success of the festival, stating that their collective goodwill would remain indelibly appreciated.
The Queen called for continued unity, peace and respect for the traditional institution, while praying that the Almighty would continue to uphold the Olowo, preserve the dignity of the Royal Institution and prosper the legitimate endeavours of the people wherever they may reside.
She concluded by extending her felicitations to all Nigerians on the national anniversary.
“Happy New Month and Happy Independence Day to Nigeria. May this new month bring peace, prosperity, fulfilment and greater possibilities to us all,” she said.
