By David Osundeyi
The Arinjale of Ise Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Adetunji David Ayodele Ajayi, PhD, Aweloye II, has disclosed that the Ojoaduse Festival remains a powerful symbol of cultural identity, unity, and community development for the people of Ise-Ekiti.
The monarch made this disclosure on Monday during a press briefing held at his palace in Ise-Ekiti, as part of the activities marking the 2025 Ojoaduse Festival.
Addressing newsmen, Oba Ajayi described the Ojoaduse Festival as a sacred cultural institution deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Ise-Ekiti.
According to him, the festival serves as a platform for cultural expression, moral instruction, intergenerational interaction, and the reinforcement of values such as unity, respect, hard work, and communal living.
The royal father explained that in spite of modern influences and cultural erosion, Ojoaduse continues to promote peace, harmony, and social cohesion, while also attracting visitors and indigenes, thereby boosting cultural tourism and community pride.
Oba Ajayi stated that the festival has also contributed significantly to the development of Ise-Ekiti over the years as he highlighted improvement and expansion of the palace, development of the civic centre, and increased visibility of the town as some of the gains associated with the festival, stressing that culture and development are mutually reinforcing when strategically harnessed.
Commending sons and daughters of Ise-Ekiti in the diaspora, the monarch acknowledged their financial, intellectual, and professional contributions to the success of the Ojoaduse Festival and various community development projects.
He assured them that their support continues to be guided by transparency, accountability, and a shared vision for sustainable growth.
The Arinjale therefore called on all indigenes to take collective ownership of the festival, urging youth groups, professional associations, community development unions, religious bodies, and market associations to actively participate in planning, funding, and promotion to ensure the festival’s sustainability for future generations.
On infrastructure, Oba Ajayi appealed to government at all levels to prioritize the rehabilitation of internal and access roads in Ise-Ekiti, as well as the renewal of key public infrastructure such as health facilities, schools, water supply systems, electricity, drainage, and environmental sanitation.
He emphasized that improved infrastructure is essential for economic activities, quality of life, and successful hosting of cultural events.
The monarch expressed confidence that with sincere collaboration between government and the community, Ise-Ekiti can grow into a model semi-urban town with improved living standards and increased investment opportunities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, inclusive development, and preservation of cultural heritage, while appreciating the media for their role in informing the public and amplifying the collective voice of the people.
Prominent personalities expected to grace the Ojoaduse Festival include; the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Agbaakin of Ise Ekiti, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Honourable Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, members of the House of Representatives, Commissioners, and other high-profile dignitaries.
