Chief Ilesanmi Adegbite, Chairman Programmes & Events, Ijan-Day 2026.
With less than a month to the much-talked-about Ijan-Day 2026 celebration, the atmosphere in the peaceful town of Ijan-Ekiti can only be described as bright and electrifying.
In all the nooks and crannies of the community, the big event is the loud talk on everyone’s lips. Expectations are at a high pitch. The frenzy is palpable. The excitement is simply enthralling.
From each quarter of the town, youths are in top form, ready to engage in football matches, just as they did last year.
Banters and jeers are being thrown at one another over who will win the Quarterly Championship and grab the coveted Winners’ Cup this year.
On preparations for the big event, High Chief Ilesanmi Adegbite (Arijoodi), Chairman of the Planning Committee at home, explained that remarkable progress has been made in every area towards a grand, exhilarating and memorable outing.
“We are set for a great and spectacular event ahead. It is a good thing that our people: the elders, both men and women; the youth from each of the three quarters in the town are very enthusiastic and gearing up towards the celebration. It is quite commendable,” he said.
“In all modesty, I can beat my chest to say that Ijan Day this year will surpass what we had last year in all ramifications. It will be a great extravaganza and fun. The best of our cultural heritage will be on parade through various events. Free Medical Outreach returns much bigger and better this year.
“Our elderly fathers and mothers at home, all and sundry, are encouraged to come for medical consultations at no cost at all.
“Our medical consultants, who are efficient and wonderful sons and daughters of the town, will be available and ready to provide their expertise.”
High Chief Adegbite also dropped hints on some of the new concepts that are expected to boost the celebration.
One of such, according to him, is the Hall of Fame, which is meant to celebrate, recognise and honour sons and daughters of Ijan whose dedication, outstanding achievements, and selfless services have helped the community in great and remarkable ways.
On the heels of that is the Roll-Call of Outstanding Living Legends in the community, whose unmatched achievements, leadership styles and commitments have contributed in the most formidable way towards the reputation and development of Ijan Kingdom.
These achievers will be recognised and honoured for their great feats.
The high point of Ijan-Day 2026, which comes up on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Onijan Palace Grounds, will be the emergence of the New Olu Omo of Ijan-Ekiti.
The prestigious recognition will be for a highly respected son or daughter of the town, seen to have over the years demonstrated sterling qualities in character, responsibility, deeds and dedication to the ethos and values of the town.
As the D-Day beckons, the loud whispers and euphoria of the celebration, like a sweet-smelling fragrance, remains in the air in all corners of Ijan-Ekiti.
