Otunba Dr. Olugbenga Peter Obafemi has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CFR, JP, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, and the entire people of Ado-Ekiti on the celebration of the 2026 Idiroko Festival.In a goodwill message, Otunba Obafemi described Idiroko as a deeply significant cultural and spiritual celebration that goes beyond festivity, emphasizing its importance as a symbol of the enduring heritage, faith, unity and resilience of the people of Ado-Ekiti.
He said the festival provides an opportunity for the people to honour their ancestors, appreciate the Almighty for His continued protection and blessings, and reaffirm their collective commitment to peace and prosperity.«“Idiroko is more than a festival; it is a living expression of our history, spirituality and collective identity. It reminds us of the sacred bond between our forefathers, our land and the Almighty.
It is a time to give thanks for divine protection, peace, good harvests and the continued prosperity of Ado-Ekiti.”»Otunba commended the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti for his steadfast efforts in preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the ancient city, describing Kabiyesi’s reign as a reflection of wisdom, dignity, tolerance and progressive traditional leadership.
According to him, Ado-Ekiti has continued to strengthen its identity as the “fountain of knowledge and capital of honour,” while the Ewi’s leadership has contributed significantly to the preservation of peace, unity and cultural values within the community.Otunba Obafemi also acknowledged the contributions of the Ewi-in-Council, chiefs, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents of Ado-Ekiti to the continued preservation of the Idiroko tradition.He said their commitment ensures that the festival remains relevant to both the present generation and those yet unborn.
“Kabiyesi has demonstrated that traditional leadership can remain deeply rooted in our heritage while embracing the demands of modern society. His reign continues to promote peace, unity, cultural preservation and development.”»A Call to Preserve Ekiti’s Traditional HeritageOtunba Obafemi used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of Ekiti, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to continue to respect and support the traditional institutions of the state.
He stressed that traditional rulers remain indispensable custodians of the history, culture and identity of the Yoruba people and can play a significant role in promoting peace, unity and grassroots development.«“Our traditional institutions represent the bridge between our past and our future. We must therefore protect, respect and strengthen them. As we celebrate Idiroko, let us renew our commitment to peace, unity and the collective development of Ekiti State.”
He equally called on governments at all levels to continue to accord traditional rulers the recognition, dignity and institutional support required for them to contribute effectively to community development and peaceful coexistence.Otunba Obafemi prayed for continued good health and longevity for the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and wished the monarch many more years of peaceful and impactful reign.He further prayed that the 2026 Idiroko Festival would bring abundant blessings, prosperity, peace, security, good health and divine favour to every home in Ado-Ekiti and across Ekiti State.
“On behalf of my family, political associates and the millions of Ekiti people across the 16 Local Government Areas and diaspora, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to Kabiyesi and the entire people of Ado-Ekiti.»«“Kabiyesi, kí adé pé lórí, kí bàtà pé lẹ́sẹ̀. May your reign continue to be long, peaceful and prosperous. May Idiroko bring renewed hope, unity and prosperity to Ado-Ekiti.»«Idiroko ooo! Aṣẹ́yí sàmọdún!”
Otunba Dr. Olugbenga Peter Obafemi
