By Samuel Sunday
The ancient city of Ado-Ekiti came alive on Wednesday as traditional rulers, government officials, cultural groups and sons and daughters of the kingdom converged on the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, to celebrate the 2026 Udiroko Festival.
Held under the theme, “Udiroko as the Signpost of Our History, Tradition and Cultural Values,” the festival marked the 800-year heritage of Ado-Ekiti with renewed calls for unity, security and collective development.
The event drew the Ewi-in-Council, chiefs, princes and princesses, members of the Ado Progressive Union, political office holders, and representatives of the Igbo community. Dignitaries present included the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly; members of the National Assembly; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Omotola Adeola; and the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Babatola.
Also in attendance were the father of the day, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN; Governor Biodun Oyebanji his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye.
Leading the spiritual proceedings, Evan Bisiade George offered the opening prayer before the monarch addressed the gathering.
Oba Aladesanmi described Udiroko as an annual celebration of culture and continuity that has survived for over eight centuries. He explained that the festival re-enacts the founding of Ado-Ekiti by their forefather, Awamaro, who settled at Otu after a long migration from Utamodi in the Benin forests through Idoani, Supare, Agbado and Ilumoba.
“The mandate given under the Iroko tree has grown into a cultural institution that now attracts Ado-Ekiti indigenes and well-wishers from across the world,” the monarch said. “Udiroko marks the beginning of our traditional calendar year and serves as a symbol of the validity and continuity of our cultural identity.”
The Ewi noted that beyond entertainment, the regalia, aso-ebi, music, songs and dances displayed during the festival represent the identity of the people and strengthen communal bonds.
He said the festival had evolved into a platform for community development and consultation, citing the new palace podium, developments at the administrative block of EKSU Faculty of Law, and other projects as outcomes of ideas generated around Udiroko gatherings.
The monarch also celebrated the commencement of full operations at the Ado-Ekiti Airport and the construction of the Ajilosun-Orereowu Flyover, which he said would ease traffic and beautify the city.
Oba Aladesanmi expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, attacks on schools and killing of innocent citizens across the country.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for efforts that led to the release of those abducted at Eda Oniyo, but urged security agencies to intensify their work through greater use of technology and intelligence.
The monarch also honoured chiefs who passed away during the year, including Chief Peter Atoba, the Elemo of Odo-Ado; Chief B.A. Ogunmilade, the Olotin; Chief (Mrs.) Adisatu Adu Adamolekun, the Eyejinaoola; and Chief Yisa Rasaki Adamolekun, the Aralopon. He welcomed newly installed members of the Ewi-in-Council.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing it as his first Udiroko as governor, congratulated the people of Ado-Ekiti and pledged to reposition the festival for greater economic and cultural impact.
“By the end of my tenure in 2030, our administration will support efforts to give Udiroko a stronger identity and wider impact,” the governor said.
Oyebanji also thanked Ekiti people for their support in the 2020 election and highlighted ongoing federal road projects, including the Ijero-Ikere road, as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to the state. He urged residents to reciprocate by voting massively for the President in the 2027 general election.
The governor prayed for the continued good health of the Ewi, traditional rulers and citizens, and expressed hope for another peaceful Udiroko in 2027.
The festival ended with cultural displays, traditional homage, and prayers for peace, security and prosperity in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria.
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