….Commends Oyebanji’s cultural economy policy
Prominent Nigerians like Bolanle Austin Peters, daughter of
Legal Icon, Chief Afe Babalola(SAN), and other illustrious business gurus, will be garlanded with traditional titles in the 2023 Edition of Odun Ade Festival being celebrated by Imesi Ekiti, in Ayekire Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Besides Bolanle Peters, a lawyer, banker, and accomplished CEO of Terra Kulture Arts Gallery, Lagos , also to be decorated as high ranking son of the community are a renowned accountant , Mr Olasehinde Oke, who was a one time West Africa regional head of Ovaltine, and Mrs Ojo , wife of Justice Lawrence Ojo.
At the weeklong event slated for November 3, with the grand finale coming up on November 10, 2023, a former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Mike Faborode,
will pay solidarity visit to the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti.
This was contained in a statement entitled: Odun Ade Festival 2023 and Progressive Steps into Global Cultural Limelight signed by the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, HRM Oba Olatunji Olatunde and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Friday.
Onimesi, who commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his culture-friendly policy, said the measure has brought an exponential development across towns, including Imesi, that is fast emerging a hub of arts and culture regarding the traction and fame the annual Festival has garnered across the globe.
Applauding the Imesi Ekiti sons and daughters for supporting all the developmental strides he had initiated, the monarch said the cultural fiesta has popularised Imesi Ekiti and added values to the town in terms of entrenched unity and development.
He said: “When I assumed office, I thought of how to unite our people for rapid development of this town and I decided to expand the scope of this Odun Ade that used to be a small festival during the reigns of my predecessors . It is now a good weapon we are using to bring our sons and daughters, home and abroad together once in a year.
“In last year’s edition, the Ewi of Ado, who historically was recognised as a war captor that terrorised Imesi during the wartimes reunited with us with a visit of HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe to Imesi, which has not happened for 400 years . Since Ewis visit of 2022 edition, His Royal Majesty has remained a mentor , a friend and supporter of the growing development of Imesi people.
“This year , the Deji of Akure, whose significant population of his kingdom the Osokoti clan ,migrated to Imesi during the Yoruba wars will be a special Royal Guest.
Speaking about the focus of the 2023 festival, Oba Olatunde added: “This year’s 2023 edition will focus on rebuilding, repopulating Imesi market which 60yrs ago was the largest hub for the sale of farm produce to citizens from Kogi, Kwara, Akoko and even Hausa and neighbouring Ekiti towns” .
The monarch stated that Imesi further assumed stardom in the tourism and entertainment world in 2023, by the creation of Imesi Performing Cultural Troupe, revealing that the group has attracted applause and support from Governor Oyebanji and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II.
Highlighting the exploits being made by the Troupe, Oba Olatunde said: “The first on the list was their performance at the grand opening of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers’ Chamber. His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji was excited with the first outing of the troupe that he pledged to grant the troupe all necessary supports”.