The Asiwaju of Oye-Ekiti Kingdom, Senator Ayo Arise, has donated ₦5 million to support community development and called on indigenes to sustain peace, unity and harmony as essential ingredients for the growth of the town.

Arise made the donation during the grand finale of the 2026 Oye-Ekiti Day celebration, which brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and sons and daughters of the town from within and outside the country.

The former senator stressed that meaningful development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, urging residents and indigenes in the diaspora to place the collective interest of Oye-Ekiti above personal and political differences.

He noted that unity remained the community’s greatest asset, adding that the progress recorded over the years was a product of collective commitment and cooperation among its people.

Arise also commended the organisers for sustaining the cultural festival, describing it as an important platform for promoting the town’s heritage and bringing its people together.

The event also witnessed other financial contributions towards community development.

The Chief Launcher of the occasion, Engineer Maxwell Esan, announced a donation of ₦10 million to the community’s development fund and urged other well-meaning indigenes and guests to support developmental initiatives in the town.

Similarly, the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ekiti North, Otunba Funso Ayeni, alongside his team, donated ₦3.5 million at the event.

Ayeni commended Senator Arise for his role in facilitating the establishment of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), noting that the institution had significantly transformed the socio-economic development of Oye-Ekiti and its surrounding communities.

He described the establishment of the university as a lasting legacy that would continue to benefit generations.Royal fathers at the celebration, including the Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Bobade, also called for peaceful coexistence and encouraged youths to embrace hard work, cultural values and respect for tradition.The Erelu of Oye and community leader, Alhaja Bilikisu Funmilayo Sanni, appreciated the guests, indigenes and friends of the community for their contributions towards the success of the celebration.The week-long cultural festival featured traditional dances, cultural displays, music and the presentation of awards to distinguished indigenes, bringing the 2026 celebration to a colourful close.The annual Oye-Ekiti Day celebration provides an opportunity for indigenes to reconnect with their cultural heritage, celebrate their achievements and mobilise support for the development of the community.