From Kayemo News
Igede-Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area in Ekiti State is agog as the ancient town begins to celebrate the 2026 Ojude Ake festival.
This was just as the community has appealed to the Federal and Ekiti State governments to intensify interventions in infrastructure, tourism and other critical sectors to accelerate development in the community.
Also, the Igede- Ekiti advocated for a national honour for the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi, in recognition of his impactful reign on the throne as a logest serving monarch, having reigned for 67 years since 1959.
The Chairman of the Ojude Ake 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Oludotun Adetuberu, made the appeal in Igede-Ekiti while reeling out the activities lined up for the Ojude Ake 2026 Festival.
Speaking on the community’s developmental aspirations, Adetunberu expressed optimism that the government’s attention to Igede-Ekiti would translate into tangible projects capable of improving the living conditions of residents.
On infrastructural development, Adetuberu disclosed that the Federal Government had begun taking steps towards assuming responsibility for the development of a tourist centre associated with Osun River, adding the commencement date for the project remained uncertain.
He said the community would continue to engage its political representatives to facilitate the necessary support and ensure that the proposed intervention translated into actual development.
Adetuberu also linked the community’s expectations to its political participation during the June governorship election in Ekiti State, claiming that Igede-Ekiti delivered more than 7,000 votes in support of the incumbent government.
He argued that the level of support demonstrated by the community deserved to be reciprocated through increased government presence and the provision of critical infrastructure.
The committee chairman also announced ₦250 million development fund to support community development projects, including the transformation of the Elemi River into a tourist attraction, renovation of the town hall, improved security and the expansion and renovation of the royal palace.
He said the initiatives were aimed at strengthening the community’s infrastructure, promoting tourism and preserving its cultural heritage, while honouring the town’s monarch, whom he described as Africa’s longest-serving reigning king.
His words, “As I mentioned earlier, the Federal Government is already taking over the tourist centre as regards Osun ricer. However, we do not yet know when work will commence. Nevertheless, we will continue to appeal to our political representatives to provide assistance in that area.
“Let me also state that we are recommending to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that our Revered Monarch be given a national honour in recognition of his status as the longest-serving reigning king in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. The recommendation is already in the pipeline and we are working towards its realisation.
“The government has also started paying attention to our community. If you visit the town, you will see that several projects are already in the pipeline for implementation by the government.
“We are hopeful that the governor will be magnanimous enough to reciprocate this support by providing more developmental projects for the state and our community.
“There is also a road project linking Iworoko to Igede-Ekiti. The distance was estimated at between 13 and 14 kilometres. The project is already in the pipeline, but the way the country’s budget is being managed continues to affect its implementation.
“The government is also undertaking some internal road projects for us. However, that does not mean we have received everything we need. We have made several requests and many developmental projects are still in the pipeline. We are hopeful that these requests will eventually translate into tangible projects”.
Reeling out the activities for the Ojude Ake 2026 festival, Dr. Adetunberu said the programme began with prayers and would feature traditional games, including Opon Ayo, Ludo competitions among communities football matches scheduled for Tuesday.
According to him, a quiz competition for students is scheduled for Wednesday with prizes for outstanding participants.
He added that free medical check-ups would be conducted for residents at Aaye Maternity Hospital on Thursday, alongside a beauty pageant in which contestants would be assessed on their dressing and intelligence.
Adetuberu said Friday’s activities would include a Jumat service at the mosque and an award night to recognise deserving indigenes across the town’s four quarters, with three recipients to be selected from each quarter.
The festival’s grand finale on Saturday would feature prominent traditional rulers,, while the monarch of Igede-Ekiti would confer honorary titles on distinguished individuals such as Bosun Kuku, Aare Morenikeji Ariye, the Chairman of Ado Central LCDA, Engr Toyin Ojo, Chief Paul Alabi, among others.
Also speaking, the global President of Igede Progressive Association, Dr Austin Ibikunle called on residents especially those in disapora, to come en masse to their homeland to celebrate the festival in grand style.
In his remarks, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru described Ake Festival as an important cultural celebration that preserves the rich heritage, traditions and identity of the people of Igede-Ekiti, bringing together indigenes, residents and visitors to celebrate their shared history and strengthen communal bonds.
The Monarch added that it also offered opportunities for tourism development, economic growth and community engagement, enabling local businesses to benefit from increased patronage.