Speaker Abass, Senate leader, Adaramodu, others to storm Ekiti community for festival 

…as monarch begs Oyebanji for road, hospital infrastructures 

The Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, Ise-Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Adetunji Ajayi, has revealed that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass; Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, are among the guests to visit the community during this year’s Ojuaduse festival.

Oba Ajayi, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen in his palace ahead of the celebration of the festival slated for December 27, 2025, said the speaker would lead other dignitaries, including a son of the community and federal lawmaker, Hon Adeniyi Ojuawo, to the event where culture and tradition would be on display.

He described the age-long celebration as a powerful instrument for heritage preservation and community advancement.

The royal father described Ojoaduse as a timeless cultural institution deeply rooted in the history, traditions and identity of the Ise people. According to him, the festival transcends ceremonial celebration, serving as a sacred expression of communal values, ancestral legacy, and social cohesion.

“Ojoaduse reminds our youths of who we are, where we come from, and the principles that have sustained our people over centuries—unity, respect, hard work and communal living,” the monarch said.

Highlighting the developmental impact of Ojoaduse over the years, the Arinjale said the festival has become a catalyst for tangible infrastructural and social gains in the community.

Among the achievements linked to communal efforts around the festival, he listed the expansion and improvement of the palace, which now functions more effectively as a centre of traditional governance and cultural preservation, as well as the development of the civic centre, now a hub for town hall meetings, cultural events, and socio-economic engagements.

He said, “These achievements remind us that culture and development are not mutually exclusive. When properly harnessed, cultural heritage can drive economic growth, community organisation and social renewal.”

While appreciating ongoing efforts by governments at various levels, the monarch made a strong appeal to the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for increased intervention in critical infrastructure affecting the welfare and growth of Ise-Ekiti.

He expressed concern over the poor condition of several internal and access roads in the town, noting that good road infrastructure is essential for economic activities, ease of transportation, safety of residents and the successful hosting of cultural events such as Ojoaduse.

Oba Ajayi also called for a comprehensive renewal of public infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, water supply systems, electricity infrastructure, drainage, and environmental sanitation facilities.

According to him, modern infrastructure is fundamental to improving the quality of life, attracting investment and curbing rural-urban migration, adding that Ise-Ekiti has the potential to evolve into a model semi-urban community with adequate support.

He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, transparency and inclusive development, expressing confidence that with collective effort from indigenes at home and abroad, and supportive government partnership, Ise-Ekiti would continue to prosper.