By Samuel Sunday
The people of Igede-Ekiti have called for national recognition for the Onigede of Igede, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, who has spent 67 years on the throne at the age of 93, as the community commenced activities for the 2026 Ojude Ake Festival, featuring a proposed ₦250 million fundraising drive for palace expansion and community development.
The call was made at Onigede’s palace on Monday during a press conference attended by the traditional ruler, members of the Onigede-in-Council, community leaders, the festival planning committee and journalists. The organisers highlighted Igede’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and development priorities, describing the annual festival as an opportunity to promote the kingdom’s history, attract visitors and mobilise support for community projects.
Speaking at the event, Oba Aladesuru traced the origins of Igede Kingdom to Ake, a warrior believed to have migrated from Ile-Ife many centuries ago. He explained that Ake’s journey, family history and descendants formed an important part of the community’s heritage, adding that the festival provided an opportunity to preserve its traditions and pass them on to younger generations.
The President of the Progressive Forum of Igede Kingdom, Dr. Augustine Ibikunle, appreciated the traditional council, planning committee and sons and daughters of the community for their support. He said the festival began with prayers and would bring together Christians, Muslims and other participants to celebrate Igede’s heritage. He also prayed for the safe arrival of indigenes and visitors and urged residents to sustain their commitment to the kingdom’s development.
The Chairman of the Ojude Ake Festival Planning Committee, Dr. Asiwaju Oludotun Adetuberu, said preparations had been underway for about two months. He explained that the programme was designed to combine cultural activities, sporting competitions, healthcare services, youth engagement and recognition of individuals contributing to the community’s development. He added that the proposed ₦250 million fundraising would support the expansion and renovation of the palace, improvements around the Alemi River, rehabilitation of the town hall and stronger community security.
Adetuberu outlined activities scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday. Wednesday will feature a quiz competition for secondary school students and the final match of the inter-quarter football competition. Thursday will feature a free health outreach to enable residents to check their health conditions, alongside a beauty pageant aimed at promoting youth participation. Friday’s activities will include Jumat prayers and an awards night to recognise individuals from the community’s four quarters who have contributed to Igede’s development.
He said Saturday would feature the grand finale, the fundraising drive and the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on distinguished personalities. Among those expected are Chief Bosun Kuku from Ogun State, who will serve as chairman of the day, as well as Engineer Augustine Oluwatosin and Engineer Olumide Faleke. The organisers said the fundraising would also support the upgrading of cultural landmarks and public facilities to strengthen Igede’s appeal as a tourist destination.
The Chairman of the local government and chief host of the festival, Hon. Oluwatuyi Gbenga Stephen, described the Onigede’s long reign and Igede’s cultural heritage as significant tourism assets. He called for greater government attention to the development of historical sites in the community, noting that investment in cultural attractions could attract visitors from across Nigeria and generate economic opportunities for residents. The festival will conclude on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at St. John’s Anglican Church, Igede-Ekiti.
The organisers urged indigenes, visitors and well-wishers to participate in the celebrations and support efforts to preserve the kingdom’s heritage while advancing its development. They expressed hope that the festival would strengthen community unity, promote Igede’s cultural identity and attract greater attention to its tourism potential.
