Adebayo Adenrele
Igede-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State has called on President Bola Tinubu to confer a national honour on the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi, in recognition of his 67-year reign, as the community unveiled a N250 million development fund to drive infrastructure, tourism and cultural preservation.
The Chairman of the Ojude Ake 2026 Planning Committee, Dr Oludotun Adetunberu, disclosed this during preparations for the 2026 Ake Festival, explaining that the proposed national recognition would celebrate the monarch’s longevity on the throne and his place in the history of traditional institutions.
Oba Adelusi ascended the throne in 1959, making his reign the longest among living traditional rulers in Africa
Adetunberu said the community was working towards securing the recognition, describing the monarch’s remarkable years on the throne as worthy of national acknowledgement.
Adetunberu said the N250 million development fund would support projects including the transformation of Elemi River into a tourist destination, renovation of the town hall, improvement of security and expansion and renovation of the royal palace.
He expressed optimism that the projects would strengthen the community’s economic prospects, attract visitors and preserve its cultural heritage.
On government intervention, the committee chairman disclosed that the Federal Government had begun taking steps towards assuming responsibility for developing a tourist centre associated with Osun River, adding that the commencement date for the project remained uncertain.
He said the community would continue to engage its political representatives to ensure that the proposed intervention translated into tangible development.
Adetunberu also identified the proposed road linking Iworoko to Igede-Ekiti as one of the community’s pressing infrastructure needs, estimating its length at between 13 and 14 kilometres.
According to him, the project is in the pipeline, alongside other internal road projects, but implementation has been affected by budgetary constraints.
He appealed to the Federal and Ekiti State governments to expedite action on the proposed projects, arguing that improved road networks and tourism infrastructure would enhance economic activities and the living conditions of residents.
His words, “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.
Adetunberu 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 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.
