Olagunju traces Ekiti from evolution to a modern state

A review of Sunday Olagunju’s book, Ekiti Kete: From Evolution to a Modern State.

MUCH have been written about the creation of Ekiti State from Ondo State and veteran journalist, Sunday Olagunju, a former managing director of Sketch Press Limited, through his book, Ekiti Kete: From Evolution to a Modern State, has given a background to the transformation of the state to a modern one.

The book starts with the historical evolution of Ekitiland. The author delves briefly into the creation of the state on October 1, 1996, while he adds that the name Ekiti, is derived from ‘Okiti,’ which means ‘hilly’ in Yoruba language.

The author writes on the effect of modernisation on the development of Ekitiland, and particularly the impact of Ibadan Ajeles on the awakening of Ekitiland to demand for its rights in the 19th century.

The Ekiti Parapo War of 1877 to 1893 also gets mentioned, with the author tracing the impact on the development of Ekitiland.

One known fact about Ekiti people is their love for education, with a popular saying that there is no household in Ekiti that does not have a professor. The author, therefore, highlights the role of education in the development of Ekitiland from 1955 till date.

Other aspects that the book touched include the socio-political-economic, cultural and religious factors in the development of the state.

Being a researcher, the author also highlights the problems of the state, as well as its tourism potentials.

Other important aspect of the book include the major towns in the state, major traditional rulers, administrators and governors of the state from October 1, 1996, heroes of the Ekiti Parapo War, and the role of Aare Afe Babalola in the creation of the state.

The author has really done a great work on the book, which can be described as a complete compendium on the state. It is, therefore, recommended for all Ekiti Indigenes and Yoruba sons and daughters in general.