By Editor
Coming a bit behind schedule due to heavy downpour, the glitz and glamour of annual Udiroko festival was not lost on the huge crowd as the week long culture and traditional festival came to a close yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The carnival-like event which showcased the rich history of Ado people dated back to the 13th century when Ado Ekiti was founded by conquest and since then, the festival has remained the unique cultural identity of Ado people at home and in the diaspora.
Yesterday’s gala finale was no different in colour, beauty, glamour and celebration as the expansive Ewi’s palace square wore a new look adorned with several decorations flyers and billboards celebrating the royal father of the town, Imperial Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi 111, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti.
The celebration kickstarted with the arrival of the monarch decked in beautiful blue ofi full regalia with a special crown that hides his face as he walked majestically round the palace arcade while admiring cheers from his subjects after which he later took his seat at the podium in the midst of invited VIPs and dignitaries.
Amongst the early arrivals are the Deputy Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Bolaji Egbeyemi, the SSG Alhaja Habitat Adubiaro and Ekiti first Lady Dr Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji who incidentally were all Ado indigenes.
In the midst of euphoria and traditional obeisance to the king by different groups, chiefs and societies, former Governor of the State and PDP chieftain, Chief Ayo Fayose made a surprise appearance at the venue as the shouts of’Osoko’ rent the air by his numerous supporters while the former Governor was provided a seat beside the Ewi.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji ably represented by his wife could not attend the program as he was outside the country for an official engagement.
However the first lady gave a good account of herself in her short address to the crowd.
She thanked the royal father for his fatherly support to the government of the State led by her husband praying for more years and robust health for the reverred monarch who she said had paid his dues as one of the founding fathers of the creation of Ekiti State.
Former Governor Ayo Fayose in a moving speech eulogized the Ewi as a great man who has left an indelible mark in the history of Ado and Ekiti State in general praying for more years for the monarch on the throne of his fore fathers.
He however created a stir when he tacitly endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term noting that if his son nursed the ambition to become governor in 2026, he would tell him to wait until the incumbent governor finishes his second term.
One of the highpoints of the colourful event was the announcement of a N10m donation by former Governor of Gombe State Alhaji Aliyu Dankwabo to the development of Ewi’s Palace.
Fayose, while announcing the former governor’s donation also supported the gesture with a personal donation of N5m.
On the lighter mood, the Ekiti State cultural group thrilled the gathering with a scintillating drum performance to the amazement of all excited watchers.
The Ewi in his address spoke of the historical origin of Udiroko which was in remembrance of the travails of the founding fathers of Ado Ekiti from Ile Ife to their present abode by conquest.
He used the occasion to urge Nigerians to show understanding with the present administration in its quest to reposition the country to the path of economic recovery.
He also prayed for peace and progress of Ekiti State under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Dignitaries at the occasion include Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisola Afuye, First Lady Dr Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji, SSG Alhaja Habitat Adubiaro, Deputy Speaker. Hon Bolaji Egbeyemi, former Governor of Gombe State Alhaji Aliyu Dankwabo, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Ado Local Government Chairman Chief Bosun Osaloni, all Ado LCDAs chairmen amongst others.
