Sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti have gathered in large numbers to celebrate the annual Udiroko Festival, an enduring cultural event that commemorates the history, heritage and founding of the ancient Ado-Ekiti Kingdom.
The colourful celebration brought together indigenes, traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and visitors in Ado-Ekiti for a day of cultural displays, traditional performances and activities celebrating the identity and history of the people.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State was among the dignitaries who attended the annual festival.
Speaking from his throne, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemi Adejugbe, described the Udiroko Festival as an important symbol of the history, traditions and cultural values of the Ado-Ekiti people.
The monarch said the festival re-enacts the founding of the Ado-Ekiti Kingdom and recalls the journey of their forefather, Awamaro, and his followers before they eventually settled in Ado.
According to him, the continued celebration of Udiroko more than eight centuries after its origin underscores its enduring significance to the people.
The Ewi noted that the festival had grown beyond a cultural gathering, becoming an avenue for community engagement, development and reflection on the progress of Ado-Ekiti.
Ewi highlights developments in Ado-EkitiOba Adejugbe highlighted several developments in Ado-Ekiti, including modern structures within the palace, the administrative block of the Faculty of Law of Ekiti State University, the completion of a new palace podium and the operationalisation of the airport.
He also mentioned the Ajilosun-Oreorewu flyover, describing it as a significant infrastructure project that had helped ease traffic in some parts of the city while contributing to its beautification.
The traditional ruler commended Governor Oyebanji for his administration’s achievements, particularly the increase in the number of tarred roads across Ado-Ekiti and other parts of Ekiti State.
He also congratulated the governor on his re-election, describing the electoral process as orderly and peaceful.
The Ewi attributed the peaceful process partly to Oyebanji’s conciliatory approach to politics and prayed for a successful second term in office.
Ewi commends Tinubu’s programmes
Oba Adejugbe also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that several Federal Government programmes were benefiting Nigerians.
He specifically mentioned initiatives under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, women’s empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure and utilities.
The monarch expressed appreciation to the various committees, organisations and associations that contributed to the development of the palace and the successful hosting of the Udiroko Festival.
The annual Udiroko celebration once again provided the sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti with an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, preserve their cultural heritage and reflect on the development and future of the ancient city.
Oyebanji reaffirms commitment to cultural heritage
In his remarks at the occasion, Governor Oyebanji emphasised the importance of Udiroko Festival in preserving the history and cultural identity of Ado-Ekiti.
The governor lauded Ewi and the people of Ado-Ekiti for sustaining the centuries-old tradition and creating an avenue for younger generations to learn about their roots and ancestral heritage.
He also reaffirm his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions, cultural festivals and initiatives capable of promoting tourism, community development and the preservation of Ekiti’s rich cultural identity.
The governor highlighted the importance of peace, unity and cooperation between traditional institutions, communities and government in driving sustainable development across the state.
With the celebration of the Udiroko festival, it is believed that a newspaper calendar year has commenced according to the tradition of Ado-Ekiti.
