Ewi Of Ado Allays Fear Over Udiroko Festival

Published

7 years ago

August 9, 2019

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III has made clarification on the confusion trailing African culture, tradition and festivals which had been labelled fetish, insisting that the ‘Udiroko Festival’ has nothing to do with rituals, fetishism and idolism.

Oba Aladesanmi, also informed that the festival is purely the celebration of the cultural essence of the Ado people dating back to the establishment of the kingdom, adding that “through the Udiroko Festival, Ado people generally rejoice that another milestone is covered or reached in their life’s journey; they have safely scaled the past year over to the new year”.

” No deity is worshipped in Udiroko and no idolatry and secret ceremony is performed. It is a ritual free festival predicted on our historical, cultural and traditional values in Ado-Ekiti”, the monarch explained.

Speaking further at a well attended world press conference organized in respect of the Udiroko Festival, which was held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja on Wednesday, ushering in the 2019 edition of the festival billed for August 12 – 20, the far famed custodian of culture, noted that the most dominant, traditional features of the olden day’s Udiroko festival are still in place in a modified form and, inline with the dictates of modern civilization with all the events associated with its celebrations published for everyone to see.

Ewi of Ado, Oba Aladesanmi flanked by the DG, Ekiti State Council Of Arts &Culture, Ambassador Ojo Lanre at the world press conference

Ewi of Ado, at the event which was attended by stakeholders and bigwigs in the tourism industry, tour operators, festival/event consultants, marketers and Journalists, emphasized that the festival is a cultural phenomenon that strikes at the foundation of the systemic existence of Ado Kingdom and its people.

Unveiling this year’s theme of the festival – ‘Enforcing And Sustaining The Solidarity Of History, Culture And Tradition’, the revered monarch disclosed that the essence of the press conference is to further , through a more macro strategy put the ‘Udiroko Festival’ on a global platform to better its lot and usefulness to the cultural being of the Ado-Ekiti people.

“I wish to emphatically state that the foregoing articulation of the historical pedigree of the Udiroko Festival and its celebrations over the years in Ado-Ekiti is for the purpose of further educating the general public. This is done with a view to fostering its acceptability as one of the components that form the tripod – history, culture and tradition, upon which the systemic existence of the Ado people is predicted, and which has been so from the inception of the Kingdom”, he added.

Ewi Ado in Council at the world press conference in Lagos

The Ewi of Ado, Oba Aladesanmi, however expressed optimism that the well cherished festival would gain further international recognition that would propel it amidst its cultural peers in other kingdoms and climes within and outside Nigeria.

The story of ‘Udiroko Festival’

‘Udiroko’, which literary means under the iroko tree became significant in the history of Ado Ekiti people and to the people as well , right away from the establishment of Ado -Ekiti through conquest in the early 1300AD by the third, Ewi Awamaro, the second successor of Ewi (Elewi) Biritiokun, the first Ewi who left Ile-Ife like his fifteen other brother Princes of Oduduwa to establish their own respective kingdoms in 1200AD.

Udiroko is a euphemistic expression of the significant of the first meeting of the Ado people under the Iroko tree to celebrate the founding of Ado Kingdom under the Paramountcy of the Ewi who, thereafter gave a Royal Proclamation of the first gathering under the Iroko tree as the first day in the Ado-Ekiti Calendar year.

The commemoration of this first meeting under the Iroko tree (Idi Igi Iroko) with time , semantically developed into Udiroko as it is known and celebrated today. During the first meeting under the Iroko tree, it was decided that such a gathering shall continue to be held at the same time/ period every year.

This decision was made with the approval of the Ewi because of the significance of the meeting to the people and its enhancement of the opportunity for the yearly appraisal of the events of the previous year and determination of what to do in the next year.

This festival marks the first day in Ado-Ekiti traditional calendar and now a pride of cultural togetherness of the Ado people.

Also speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the people of Ado-Ekiti to rebrand the Udiroko festival, by globalizing its celebration and seeking for marketers for the festival.

Governor Fayemi, who was represented by the state Director-General, Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, further disclosed that the collaboration between the state government and the Ado Ewi in Council was to make the festival become self-sustaining and involve Ado-Ekiti indigenes in the Diaspora, as well as those outside the shores of Ekiti.

Director-General, Council for Arts and Culture, Wale Ojo-Lanre addressing the audience at the world press conference

According to Ojo Lanre, the council has the full mandate of the government of Dr Fayemi to promote culture as well as core values in order to evolve a State that manifest the vision of its founding fathers; adding that this explains the passion and commitment of the Council towards a collaboration with communities to transform their festivals into a prosperity instrument for the people.

“There is no doubt that the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti has joined the list of monarchs who have at one time or another addressed a world press in a bid to market their festivals to attract global attention and tourists. Osun Osogbo, Olojo and Ojude-Oba festivals have brought the Ataoja, Ooni and Awujale respectively to Lagos on similar purpose. Today, these festivals are bringing economic prosperity and attracting investment opportunity to those who own them. By this commendable initiative, Udiroko has become a festival for the cultural and tourism public, the manifestation of which would become noticeable in subsequent editions.

“Since it is within the compass of our purview to inject critical innovations into the original manners of celebrating festivals in Ekiti, we initiated this world press conference in furtherance of the strategic marketing of some Ekiti festivals. We have noticed the energy and vigor with which the Ewi and the people of Ado prepare and celebrate Udiroko annually hence our decision to partner with Ado Ekiti people to rebrand the festival, Globalize its celebration, Seek marketers for the festival so that it becomes self-sustaining, Clear the air over petty controversies and stigmas that threaten its sustainability and Involve Ado-Ekiti indigenes in the diaspora as well as those outside the shores of Ekiti State”, the DG continued.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adelusi in his welcome address noted that the festival aimed at encouraging young people to embrace the culture and tradition of Ado Ekiti.

L-R DG Wale Ojo Lanre, Prince Adelusi and Prof Akindele sharing ideas at the world press conference

“Ekiti man is known for integrity and upholding values and this has been of great help in life”, Adelusi submitted.

In a related development, the Chairman, Organising Committee, Professor Sunday Akindele assured residents. tourists and indigenes that the committee has put in place adequate security measures.

The event, also had in attendance, prominent Ekiti indigenes , including Senator Raji Rasaki, Hon Sola Elesin, Deputy Chairman APC Ekiti state, Hon Femi Bamisile, Chairman Ado Ekiti Local Government, Engineer Ayoola, President Adk Ekiti Progressive Union, Hon Sola Fatoba, among others.

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News

Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist, Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

Published

1 day ago

August 2, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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Oyo lawmaker, Oseni empowers Agbeni traders with ₦50m grant, rallies support for Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

August 1, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday strengthened his grassroots engagement with traders by presenting a ₦50 million business grant to members of the Agbeni Amunigun Traders Association in Ibadan.

The empowerment package is expected to benefit traders across the market, which cuts across Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also donated ₦5 million towards the completion of the association’s secretariat. He further pledged to install solar-powered streetlights within the market to improve security and make the business environment more conducive.

Speaking during an interactive meeting with the association’s leaders, executives and representatives of its 15 zones, the lawmaker described traders as key drivers of the local economy, saying they deserved continuous support to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.

He also appealed to the traders to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the economic reforms introduced by the administration would deliver lasting benefits for the country.

“The decisions taken by President Tinubu were difficult, but they were necessary. Today, fuel queues are gone, states and local governments receive higher allocations, and more resources are available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects, including the regular payment of salaries,” he said.

Oseni highlighted ongoing road rehabilitation projects, interventions in the health sector, agricultural support initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as some of the programmes making a difference under the current administration.

He noted that the student loan scheme had opened up access to higher education for many young Nigerians, while other economic reforms were laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Oseni promised that if elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate in 2027, he would facilitate an interest-free revolving loan scheme for traders. He said the programme would be jointly managed by the market leadership and a reputable microfinance bank to ensure genuine traders had access to affordable credit.

“I will continue to support policies and programmes that help small and medium-scale businesses thrive because traders remain the engine of our economy. My goal is to create opportunities that will help your businesses expand and improve the welfare of your families,” he said, assuring the association that the requests presented to him would receive prompt attention.

Earlier, the Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Abdul-Latifu Abdulganiyu; the Baale, Alhaji Muniru Oladayo; the General Chairman of the market, Alhaji Nureni Lawal; the Iyaloja’s representative, Alhaja Basirat Owolanwa; and the youth representative, Alhaji Adeyinka Basiru, praised Oseni for his consistent support for traders and other community-based empowerment programmes.

The market leaders unanimously endorsed his senatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise support for his 2027 bid, saying his record of empowerment, constituency projects and community development had earned him the confidence of the people.

Politics

Oyo : Oseni seeks reconciliation, urges aggrieved APC members to close ranks

Published

4 days ago

July 31, 2026

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has called on aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State to put the outcome of the primary behind them and embrace reconciliation in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
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‎The appeal came on Wednesday at an enlarged meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, where Oseni urged members to close ranks and work together to reposition the party for victory at the polls.
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‎In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the time had come for party faithful to move beyond the disagreements that followed the primary election.
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‎He said: “The primary election has come and gone. As loyal party members, our responsibility now is to unite behind the decisions of our great party and work together for its success. There is no victory without unity.”
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‎The chairman House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) noted that while it was natural for party members to hold different opinions during the contest, the APC’s overriding interest must remain paramount, urging those with reservations to seek redress through dialogue rather than division.
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‎According to him, “I appeal to every leader, stakeholder, member and supporter of our party to sheathe the sword, forgive one another and embrace genuine reconciliation. Our shared commitment to the APC is greater than any individual ambition.”
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‎The APC senatorial candidate said the challenges confronting the party could only be overcome through collective resolve, mutual respect and sustained engagement among members across the state.
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‎”The people of Oyo State expect a strong and united APC that is ready to provide purposeful leadership. We cannot afford to remain divided when there is so much work to be done. This is the time to rebuild trust, strengthen our structures and move forward together,” he said.
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Oseni expressed confidence that with reconciliation, discipline and the support of party leaders and members, the APC would emerge stronger from the primary process and be well positioned to secure victory in Oyo State in the 2027 general election.