…as Governor Oyebanji cautions those castigating his administration
This year’s Udiroko festival in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital has been celebrated amidst fun fare as sons and daughters of the ancient town as well as friends in their native attires, paid homage to their monarch, displaying different cultural stunts to show the rich culture of the Yorubas.
The annual festival which marks the first day of Ado Ekiti was witnessed by prominent Nigerians including Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Former Governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, House of representatives Chairman on Media Committee, Mr Sola Fatoba who is a son of Ado Ekiti,
Others are the Director General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Dr Muhammad Bulama and the Zonal Director of FRCN Mr Dominic Mokikan, as well as Royal fathers, the vice chancellor of universities among others.
Roundoffnews correspondent who covered the Udiroko reports that the well organized Udiroko festival attracted many indigenes within Nigeria and in diaspora to catch the glimpse of the cultural festival.
The displayed of different attires added glamour to the festival, making it a global standard tourist attraction.
In a speech, Governor Biodun Oyebanji cautioned those who were castigating APC government, led by President Bola Tinubu over the conditions of some roads in the Ekiti State to stop such ungrateful comment.
He said President Tinubu had contributed to the socio economc development of Ekiti state in every sector.
He explained that the ongoing construction of the two federal roads in the state is an indication that the President loves Ekiti State but cannot attend to all requests at a go. He added that the State has also completed the reconstruction of the Ado- Iworoko- Ifaki federal road to complement efforts of the Federal Government.
While stressing that Ekiti State remains eternally grateful to the President, Governor Oyebanji said, “let me use this opportunity to tell Ekiti people that the President of this country is supportive of Ekiti State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible for the State and I stand here to give testimony to that. The President has supported us a lot but it is not possible for him to solve all our problems in two years.
“As I speak today, the construction of Ado-Ikere-Itaogbolu-Akure road is ongoing, also the Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba road has been awarded, while the state has also completed the reconstruction of the Ado- Iworoko- Ifaki federal road to complement the efforts of the federal government. it is unfair for any Ekiti indigene to use the condition of Aramoko-Itawure road to measure this government. Ekiti People are not ingrates, we reject that narrative and we say the President is supporting us and Ekiti people are in support of the President”, he added.
While congratulating the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe for the 2025 Udiroko festival, the Governor, who lauded the monarch’s efforts in fostering peace, unity and cultural heritage of Ado Ekiti, described the royal father as a symbol of wisdom and an embodiment of Ekiti rich cultural heritage.
Also, The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe commended the presence of Federal government in Ekiti state, especially approval of Ado Ekiti ikare, Ado Ekiti Akure and Ado Igirigiri roads and appealed to the president to release fund to ensure early completions of the roads.
The Monarch confirmed that under his reign, Udiroko has been transformed into a tourism attraction, bringing visitors from far and near, saying the influx of tourists not only enriches cultural landscape but contributed significantly to local economy, fostering opportunities for growth and prosperous unity.
EWI of Ado Ekiti therefore used the celebration parayed for federal government led by President Bola Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, sons and daughters of Ekiti State.
Oba Adejugbe, who hailed Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment and concrete policy drive towards good governance, accountability and effective service delivery added that Udiroko remains the springboard for many developmental projects over the years including the construction of the Great Fajuyi Hall, modern palace, a modern architectural amphitheater among many others, all of which have transformed the city into a tourist attraction.
The Monarch further commended the Governor on his various efforts to facilitate development programme to the state with visible impacts in the socio-economic, political and cultural life of the state which has brought massive gains to the people.
Contributing, the Director General, Federal Radio Corporation, Dr Muhammad Bulama accompanied by the Zonal Director, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Dominic Mokikan stressed that the annual Udiroko festival in Ado Ekiti could be used as point of attraction for tourists capable of generating income by showcasing the rich culture of Nigeria to the global community.
In separate interviews, some Leaders of different groups including, Ochidoma of Idoma People living in Ekiti State, Agaba Idu of EKiti, Otache Oyigicho said that the festival had United indigenes and non indigenes of the town and contributed to its peaceful coexistence.
The senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele presented a new coaster bus to the Ewi in Council.
