Ikole National Day: SDP Senatorial Candidate, Otunba Obafemi (O.P.O) Felicitates Elekole, Calls for Unity, Development*
By Francis Adewumi
The Senatorial Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for Ekiti North Senatorial District, Otunba Dr. Olugbenga Peter Obafemi (O.P.O), has felicitated with the people of Ikole Kingdom on the celebration of Ikole National Day, describing the annual festival as a profound symbol of cultural pride and communal strength.
In his goodwill message to mark the 2026 edition of the historic celebration, Obafemi, a proud indigene of Iwodi Quarters, Ikole-Ekiti, said the day offers an opportunity for all sons and daughters of the kingdom to recommit to peace, unity and collective prosperity.
“It is with esteemed joy that I congratulate we, the proud children of Ikole Kingdom, on this auspicious occasion of the Ikole National Day,” O.P.O stated.
“As a proud native of Iwodi, Ikole-Ekiti, I extend my warmest felicitations to our revered Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku (Aladesikole I, FCA, LLB, BL), the Elekole of Ikole and Paramount Ruler of Egbe Oba Kingdom, the Elekole-in-Council and to every proud Ikole indigene.
“Ikole Day remains a powerful reminder of our rich ancestral heritage and enduring communal bonds. As we assemble to celebrate our history, let us recommit to the collective development, peace, and progress of our beloved kingdom.
“May Kabiyesi’s reign continue to yield peace, wisdom and remarkable growth across Ikole.”
Otunba Obafemi, a renowned industrialist and philanthropist widely known as OPO, noted that Ikole Kingdom, as the headquarters of Egbe Oba and one of the most prominent kingdoms in Ekiti State, has continued to set the pace in culture, education and leadership.
He described the reign of Oba Fasiku as peaceful, progressive and transformational, praying for long life and greater wisdom for the monarch.
The SDP Senatorial hopeful, whose campaign mantra is “I Want To Be Useful To My People,”also urged youths of Ikole and the entire Ekiti North – comprising Ikole, Oye, Ido-Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas – to uphold the Omoluabi ethos of integrity, hard work and respect for elders and constituted authority.
Political observers say OPO’s consistent identification with cultural values and community development has endeared him to the grassroots ahead of the 2027 National Assembly election, where he is seeking to represent Ekiti North on the platform of the SDP.
