Governor Oyebanji Celebrates Udiroko Festival as Ado-Ekiti Honours Heritage, Unity
Ado-Ekiti, August 19, 2026 — Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on Wednesday extended warm congratulations to His Royal Majesty Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Eyesorun Olori Margareta Abosede Adejugbe, the Ewi-in-Council, and all sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti as the community marks this year’s Udiroko Festival.
In a statement released on his official platform, the governor described Udiroko as a cherished expression of the people’s heritage, unity and shared identity.
He said the festival offers a moment to celebrate the enduring strength of tradition, honour the royal institution, and reaffirm the bonds of peace, unity and community that have sustained Ado-Ekiti across generations.
“The exemplary stewardship of His Royal Majesty and unwavering commitment to our traditional institutions, the progress and unity of Ado-Ekiti, and Ekiti State as a whole remain an important pillar of our collective identity and heritage,” Oyebanji stated.
He prayed that the 2026 edition would bring renewed hope, peace, unity and prosperity to Ado-Ekiti and the entire state.
Roots of a Centuries-Old Celebration
Udiroko, whose name derives from the Yoruba expression meaning “under the iroko tree,” ranks among the most significant cultural events in Ado-Ekiti.
Historical accounts trace its origins to around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi. It began as a gathering where war chiefs reported on military campaigns and pledged loyalty to the monarch beneath a great iroko tree at the palace.
Over time it evolved into the traditional New Year celebration for the Ado people, coinciding with the new yam harvest and serving as a day of thanksgiving to the Creator.
The festival draws indigenes from home and the diaspora, royal fathers, government officials and cultural enthusiasts. It features colourful processions, traditional displays, prayers for the land’s prosperity, and public addresses by the Ewi.
Organizers and past editions have positioned it as both a cultural affirmation and a platform for socio-economic development and tourism.
Leadership Messages of Solidarity
Governor Oyebanji’s message aligns with greetings from the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who earlier in the day offered royal felicitations and prayed for continued blessings, unity and progress for Ado-Ekiti.
Both leaders underscored the festival’s role in strengthening communal bonds and preserving Ekiti’s rich cultural legacy.
As celebrations unfold at the Ewi’s palace and across Ado-Ekiti, the 2026 Udiroko Festival once again highlights the deep connection between tradition, leadership and the everyday lives of the people.
For many, it remains a powerful reminder that heritage and unity form the foundation upon which progress is built.
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