“That ancient mandate given under an Iroko tree has matured and evolved over the years to become not just a cultural showpiece, but also a tourist attraction that galvanizes the whole of Ado Ekiti kingdom, its sons and daughters and well as our friends and well wishers from around the world”
STEEZE, COLOUR GLAMOUR SHOWCASE AT UDIROKO FESTIVAL 2026
By John Odunayo
Steeze, colour, glamour, tradition, heritage, culture and the magnificence of royalty were all on display at the 2026 Udiroko Festival of the Ado Ekiti community.
Sons and daughters of the ancient community and as well their guests and visitors trooped to the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, where the festival is celebrated yearly for 2026 Udiroko, the New Year of the town.
Oba Adejugbe, who welcomed all to the celebration, congratulated sons and daughters of the community for the success of the year’s ceremony.
The traditional ruler said that Udiroko Festival over the years had grown to be a unique gathering preserving the rich culture and tradition of the people.
Oba Adejugbe said, “That ancient mandate given under an Iroko tree has matured and evolved over the years to become not just a cultural showpiece, but also a tourist attraction that galvanizes the whole of Ado Ekiti kingdom, its sons and daughters and well as our friends and well wishers from around the world”.
The monarch, who expressed joy that Ado Ekiti had witnessed tremendous progress and improvements across all sectors, called on individuals and organizations to invest in the state towards creating employment opportunities for youths and improving the state’s economy.
The Ewi, who described the Udiroko festival as significant cultural heritage of the people of Ado Ekiti, stressed the need for its preservation and promotion for future generations.
The monarch commended the people of the community for the annual celebration and for using the festival to promote unity, cultural values and peaceful coexistence.
Among dignitaries in attendance to celebrate with the Ado Ekiti indigenes were the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; and members of the state Executive Council.
Governor Oyebanji said, “I rejoice with all of us on this occasion, I felicitate with Kabiyesi, Eyesorun and all the Chiefs, my prayer is that you will celebrate more on this throne and celebrate many udiroko festival.
“Udiroko festival is no longer an Ado festival, it has become Ekiti festival and we need to sit down with the planning committee to find a way such that while we are preserving our culture and tradition, we also use this festival as an avenue to create wealth for Ekiti indigenes,” the governor said.
