“It is my hope that these revivals will, in the years ahead, grow into full-fledged tourism attractions bringing visitors, researchers, and admirers of Yoruba culture to Imesi, and turning our town into a beacon of cultural pride and economic opportunity”
By John Odunayo
The sons and daughters of Imesi Ekiti, Ekiti State were in high spirits on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 as they celebrated this year’s Odun Ade Festival.
They came out in their numbers from within and the diasporas to celebrate the festival with their traditional ruler, the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Festus Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi II, whose reign, they said had been peaceful and development-oriented.
The colourful, culturally rich, and spiritually uplifting celebration, which brought together traditional rulers, government functionaries, illustrious sons and daughters of Imesi-Ekiti and friends, also reaffirmed Imesi’s heritage, unity, and growing prominence under the reign of Oba Olatunde.
In his address, the Onimesi, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, who described the Odun Ade Festival 2025 as a festival of unity, history and revival of ancient traditions, expressed gratitude to all Imesi sons and daughters for “enduring love, loyalty, and contributions to our growth”.
Oba Olatunde said, “Today, history smiles upon us once again. This year’s Odun Ade Festival is not an ordinary celebration it is a festival of unity, reconciliation, and rediscovery”.
The Onimesi, who applauded the coming together of the six Imesis also expressed joy at the resuscitation of the age-long Imesi fishing expedition, the Idewo, and the reactivation of the ljigbo hunters’ expedition.
He said, “Through Idewo, our fishermen and women reconnect with the waters that have sustained generations. Through ljigbo, our brave hunters renew their age-old covenant with the forest, returning with their game for the Onimesi to feast upon and mark the festival’s sacred rites.
“These acts are not mere ceremonies; they are living testimonies of unity, authority and acceptance signs that the bond between the throne and the people remains strong and unbroken.
“It is my hope that these revivals will, in the years ahead, grow into full-fledged tourism attractions bringing visitors, researchers, and admirers of Yoruba culture to Imesi, and turning our town into a beacon of cultural pride and economic opportunity”.
The monarch, who hailed the chiefs, traditional leaders, artisans, farmers, hunters, women, and youth of the community for their support, however, advised, “As we celebrate, let us continue to uphold the honour of our ancestors while embracing innovation and development for the good of Imesi”.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the event and the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Jemileyin, commended the Onimesi for his progressive leadership and role in promoting harmony among traditional rulers in the zone.
A former Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, in a congratulatory message to the Onimesi, said, “Odun Ade remains one of the most treasured expressions of our royal heritage – an occasion that honours the crown, celebrates continuity and reaffirms the sacred bond between the throne and the people”.
The celebration also witnessed the installation of Aunty Moore-Okusaga Mopelola Abiodun as the Iyalaje of Imesi Ekiti.
Among traditional rulers who graced the occasion to honour Oba Olatunde and Imesi Ekiti are the Imesi obas; the Onirun of Irun Akoko, Ondo State, Oba Samuel Bayode Agboola; the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba (Barr.) Babatunde Adebayo Jemilehin; the Oroo of Agbado, Oba S.O. Adesina; and the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Lawrence Aladesuyi.
The Owa Ale of Ikare Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite; and the Olode of Ode Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adara Aderiye, were represented at the event.
Also in attendance were dignitaries including the Chairman, Ayekire Local Government, Hon. Dave Adeyemo; senior officials from the Ekiti State Government; representatives of Ayekire Local Government and Gbonyin Local Council Development Area; traditional council officials.
