Tag: Udiroko Festival

Ahead of tomorrow’s celebration of the yearly Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, the Personal Assistant to the Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ayo Fajana highlights the significance of the festival 

As the earth revolves in her orbit once in every 365 days, the ancient city of Ado shall become completely fixing and holding attention on the 26th of August for the grand finale of 2017 Udiroko festival at the piazza of the Elizabethan opulent Palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe. The festival ushers in a new traditional year in the calendar of the people of Ado kingdom. Udiroko festival like Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode, Eyo in Lagos etc, is a festival with great deal of décor, dialogue, action and music. It is also an avenue for the gathering of the citizens to showcase their various cultural and social activities. Indigene put down their stakes while social and non political organisations such as Egbe Omo Ibile Ado a cephalous, non-political organisation, Obasitu reformers club, Egbe omo Ewi, Ado dynamic club and the famous Erukulele group features prominently in the global mode.

Unit heads of traditional guard called Elegbe Oguro and their men in regalia, the array of Oloris, and the Efa chiefs,  ie the traditional Police also takes up parade with serene satisfaction. The event sometimes imposed a culture of silence on strangers as the Oba’s wives adore with musical baritone  of ancient drums orchestrated in textual lines the pragmatic praise songs  of the king.  Rulers of satellite towns and Political office holders also converge with Indigene to pay homage to Kabiyesi Ekun Obarisa, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti. Indeed it is a collective extravaganza extended with its routine and toleration to every part of the state. It sometimes transcends traditional conventions as elites and nobilities are included. If truth be told, Ado Ekiti is a place to visit at Udiroko festival, a city with aesthetic beauty punctuated with outcroppings of gunmetal rocks, and green acres. Indigene distinguish their monarch in boastful and blatant demagogue witty remarks as an earthly viceroy held in awe and respect; Un k Ewi Aye bati ‘wi Legba Orun ‘igba. Satellite towns often become weary of expedient conversion as they quarrel with their gods for the reasons while Ado should remain at the centre of the solar system and others as her orbit. Ewi continues to live a dignified life as a shadow and reflection of god’s rule in the universe, hence, whatever he pronounces as the generic title holder at the apex of the strata, the gods of cosmos affirms. This confirms some of his fore sires’ feats worthy of record and their central political roles in important events.

The modern day Udiroko festival is celebrated with pomp and pageantry heralded by the speech from the throne, high lighting the happenings in the outgoing year, the plans and activities in the New Year, and new distinctions. Without intention to cast aspersion, Ado people demonstrates classical egotism as they guilefully aver in a flattering glib  of cultural   preference to their monarch; Ewi bemi Udiroko, Olitaji bemi Esunsu, Ain ko se oloja meji ma buse Ewi  aalo. In a loose mode of speech, it is an expression of unity in diversity and self portrait of consistent voice of the ancient progeny.

In the old, Ewi’s terrestrial authority knew no bound; Princes who were rulers of tributary communities rendered their stewardship and pay annual tributes at Udiroko. The present ruler of Ado-Ekiti (Elewi) was said to be among the sixteen original sons of Oduduwa and the title was given by Oduduwa the ancestor of Yoruba race to his son Ewi whom he regarded as the Prince ‘who spoke truly’. However, the ancient kingdom has come under increasing criticism as an archaic relic, badly in need of an overhaul until the British colonial administration and the arrival of the white missionaries. Hurricane of fresh air blowing through the oldest secular institution inevitably brought course for reasons, ADO became the political headquarter of Ekiti since the last two centuries. The traditional institution now becomes less stuffy, less high-bound by protocols and more people-friendly in a vague kind of way that few could precisely define until Ekiti state was created with Ado as the capital city in 1996. The time changes and we must not forever look backward merely to glorify the past. Ado people did not want to abolish their monarchy, they just wanted to feel closer to it. Ado monarchical system is about people and its worth is judged to a large extent by the character of Ewi as the principal player at any given time. Even when Oba Adejugbe does not exist to be the anchor in Ekiti  politico’s soap opera for the public entertainment, he is the traditional head of the ancient Ado kingdom including those survived to be adapted and those been forced not to adapt again to his suzerainty.

His faultless conduct in that role as often, is obscure in the last few decades by the trails and follies of Ado cousins across the rivulets of Omosuo, Adaun, Ogbese and beyond. Today, Ado has much to contend with the buffoonery of some vassalage to the acrimonious parting of some villages from Ado kingdom, but in long time to come; these foibles will be seen as no more than minor death in the side of the throne. Debates and the significance changes involved whether the cumbersome apparatus of the monarchy perceived by the vassalage to be too big, too out -of- touch with his subjects is giving the kingdom value for its long history. That the debate is taking place at all is partly a result of the revolt. The fresh approach of live and let others live cast sympathetic shadows on Ewi and the royal family by the time of local government separation of most towns and villages in the old Ekiti Central in 1996. The situation therefore raised questions about the existing structure of the monarchy and its style; is the Oba making enough contacts with his humbler subjects? Does his court really have to be run by chiefs with little knowledge of democratic governance? Is the monarchy soaking up too much revenue? Are dozens or more of the chiefs really have to be supported by good salaries?

Ado kingdom has a long political history, her expansion is usually traced to the time Ewi Gberubioya magnanimously dispersed nation of Princes and Princesses around 1630 but still recognised as the sovereign over Ado kingdom. The kingdom has survived because it has constantly adapted or been forced to adapt to all that takes to govern a vast empire. Ewi Arutawekun 1710 -1722 lost his throne and life to his abductors during the 17th century because he would not change his style of rule. The crown has long been stripped of most of its real powers and almost entirely symbolic.  Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe undoubtedly exercises discreet degree of influence that comes from such a long reign and accumulation of experience. Almost his every royal acts is done on the advice of his traditional chiefs, he summons and dissolves committee of the palace, appoints his chiefs on the advice of the respective clans, declares war against the erring and disloyal title holders, gives royal assent to lawful dethronement, consents public office holders of good character, pardons the convict at his royal courts and confers honours to desirable ones.

Oba Adejugbe has always appointed astute and professional people to run the monarchy with ruthless efficiency. A major factor in the Oba Adejugbe’s enduring success and popularity is his perfect understanding of his constitutional role and his refusal to ever been drawn into active politics. Although, the governor of Ekiti State Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose and some other prominent Nigerians who have done well have been earmarked for installation as Ijoye Ewi at this event but his true function is above politics. He is, the embodiment of culture and tradition and the guarantee that the kingdom shall continue to exist. The role grows in importance as the ancient Ado kingdom surrenders major decision making to the government of Ekiti State, same time offers a degree of self government to its constituent parts. To retain its validity, the Oba must still court popularity and be seen to be a proper representative of his people otherwise it would come to be regarded as irrelevant in a larger traditional society tussling his rightful position among the sixteenth Ekiti Pelupelu.

Ado has always dispelled an image that it is stuck in the past of old privileged aristocracy. Ewi- in council has long sensed and been quietly told by some handwriting on the wall that there is a desire to beef up effective monarchy without completely destroying its colour, ceremony and tradition. Changes since the Morgan chieftaincy commission of 1978 have been significant and far reaching. Morgan has taken away some rights and privileges.  Ado tradition could hardly blend now with the pride of Ado la ti a jewi or the delight of Amo soro un o eh by the realities of our environment.

There have been token attempt to insert more down- to -earth tourist visits into the Ewi’s palace. Ekiti State Government, Nigeria breweries, MTN service provider and the foreign attaché from the embassies had set the pace and it is left for the Palace to utilise every opportunity to conserve and to re-dedicate. The Palace needs a museum, a standard library, newsletters or royal dispatch, royal diary and a Palace historian who will logically and timely follow up the work of the late griot, Monseigneur Anthony Oguntuyi who had contributed immensely to the history of Ado Ekiti.

Oba Adejugbe is at heart a traditionalist and it is hardly unlikely at his life time that he would make sweeping changes to the kingdom’s style of monarchy, for example; Olorunborun day popularly known as Udiroko is like Halloween holiday in Europe.  The day was symbolically associated with the period of praise worship when prayers were offered to the heavens. Like the eve of All Souls days which were observed to purify the spirit of the dead in Rome. Ado war chiefs are led by Bafon in an all night jamboree following the assemblage of other military commanders and mercenaries to give an annual post war reports.

Oba Adejugbe Aladesanmi III knows that continuity in the crown is the strongest suit; significant change of approach must wait till the next century. The true legacy of the preceding Ewis; Odundun Anirare Aladesanmi II and Oba Samuel Adeyemi Adelabu were not minor shuffling of the royal engagement diary to satisfy some vague personal desires. The royal precursors had given the kingdom its long time future in the intelligent, Dr Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III. CON , JP.  I prayerfully wish him, the entire household and all citizens of Ado Ekiti a prosperous new traditional year and I say floreat collegium.

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; his Gombe State counterpart, Ibrahim Dankwambo; his wife, Adama, and House of Representatives Rural Development Committee Chairman Ladi Adebutu are to be honoured with chieftaincy titles at this year’s Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, addressed reporters at his palace ahead of this year’s Udiroko Festival, which marks the beginning of a New Year in the Ado-Ekiti traditional calendar.

Oba Adejugbe said the honourees will get the chieftaincy titles on August 25 for their contributions to the development of the city, their states and the nation.

The monarch said Ado-Ekiti community planned to honour Fayose for executing various landmark projects in the city, including the flyover and the new Erekesan Market.

He hailed the governor for dualising township roads in Ado-Ekiti and eight other local government areas across the state, despite the prevailing economic recession in the country.

Oba Adejugbe said: “The people of Ado-Ekiti Kingdom resolved that we should honour the governor (Fayose) but the governor requested that we honour two of his friends – Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and House of Representatives member from Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu. They will be conferred with their titles on August 25 here at the palace.

“Governor Fayose is doing wonderfully well for Ekiti residents, despite the fact that Nigeria is going through a recession. Among the capital projects in Ado-Ekiti is the flyover under construction; the Oja Oba is now at appreciable stage. We will inaugurate the new palace hall on August 25.”

The monarch noted that the new ultramodern hall at his palace was built by the Fayose administration, adding that it would be inaugurated tomorrow.

He added that renowned culture icon, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, will deliver a public lecture.

According to him, a book, written by notable historian, Prof. Isola Olomola, will be launched, while eminent lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), will be the chief launcher.

The Udiroko Festival, Oba Adejugbe said, will also witness a health talk and Ewi Cup football competition.

The monarch said the festival offers opportunity for Ado-Ekiti indigenes to pay homage to their monarch, thank God for witnessing another year and decide on communal projects to be executed in the New Year.

He urged the residents, especially youths, to embrace agriculture to ensure food security, reduce poverty and unemployment.

Oba Adejugbe said: “White-collar jobs are no longer    available.

“We have to go back to the farm because when oil was discovered, that was when our problem started in Nigeria. In the old Western Region, the proceeds from cocoa were used to build the Cocoa House (in Ibadan, Oyo State capital).

“We had farm settlements in the olden days. I want to appeal to youths to embrace agriculture. It will be in their interest to go back to the farm and they will not regret doing so.”

AS the earth revolves in its orbit once in every 365 days, the ancient city of Ado would be agog on the 23rdof August 2014 to celebrate the annual Udiroko festival at the piazza of the Elizabethan opulence palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti , Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe. The festival ushers in a new traditional year in the calendar of the people of Ado kingdom. Udiroko festival like Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode, Eyo in Lagos etc, is a festival with great deal of décor, dialogue, action and music. It is also an avenue for the gathering of the citizens to showcase their various cultural and social activities. Indigenes put down their stakes while social and non political organisations such as Egbe Omoibile, Ado Acephalous, non-political organisation, Obasitu Reformers Club, Egbeomo Ewi, Ado Dynamic Club and the famous Erukulele Group feature prominently in the global mode. Unit heads of traditional guard called Elegbe Oguro and their men in regalia, the array of oloris, and the Efa chiefs, i.e the traditional police also take up parade with serene satisfaction. The events sometimes impose a culture of silence on strangers as the oba’s wives adore with musical baritone of ancient drums orchestrated in textual lines the pragmatic praise songs of the king. Rulers of satellite towns, political office holders also converged with Indigenes to pay homage to Kabiyesi Ekun Obarisa, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti. Indeed it is a collective extravaganza extended with its routine and toleration to every parts of the country. It sometimes transcends traditional conventions as elite and nobility are included. If truth be told, Ado Ekiti is a place to visit at Udiroko festival, a city with aesthetic beauty punctuated by outcroppings of gunmetal rocks,and green acres. Indigene distinguished their monarch in boastful and blatant demagogue witty remarks of an earthly viceroys held in awe and respect; Un Ewi Ayebati ‘wiLegbaOrun‘gba. Satellite towns sometimes become weary of expedient conversion as they quarrelled with their gods to accept the reasons while Ado should remain at the centre of the solar system with others as its orbit. Ewi continues to live a dignified life as a shadow or reflection of god’s rule in the universe, hence, whatever he pronounces as the generic title holder at the apex of the strata, the gods of cosmos affirm. This also confirmed some of his fore sires’ feats worthy of record and their central political roles in important events. The modern day Udiroko festival is celebrated with pomp and ceremony heralded by the speech from the throne, highlighting the happenings in the outgoing year, the plans and activities in the new year also delighted in the new distinctions. Without intention to cast aspersion, Ado people demonstrate classical egotism as they guilefully averred in a flattering glib of cultural preference to their monarch – EwibemiUdiroko, OlitajibemiEsunsueinko se olojameji ma buseEwiAalo. In a loose mode of speech, it is an expression of unity in diversity and self portrait of consistent voice of the ancient progeny. In the old, Ewi’s terrestrial authority knows no bounds; Princes who are rulers of tributary communities rendered their stewardship and pay annual tributes.The present ruler of Ado-Ekiti (Elewi) is said to be among the sixteen original sons of Oduduwa and the title was given by Oduduwa the ancestor of Yoruba race to his son Ewi whom he regarded as the Prince ‘who spoke truly’. However, the ancient kingdom has come under increasing criticisms as an archaic relic, badly in need of an overhaul until the British colonial administration and the arrival of the white missionaries. Hurricane of fresh air blowing through the oldest secular institution inevitably brought calls for reasons, ADO became the political headquarter of Ekiti since the last two centuries. The traditional institution now becomes less stuffy, less high-bound by protocols and traditions and more people-friendly in a vague kind of way that few could precisely define until Ekiti state was created with Ado as the capital city in 1996. The time changes and we must not forever look backward merely to glorify the past. Ado people do not want to abolish their monarchy, they just want to feel closer to it. Ado monarchical system is about people and its worth is judged to a large extent by the character of Ewi as the principal player at any given time. Even when Oba Adejugbe does not exist to be the anchor in Ekiti politico’s soap opera for the public entertainment, he is the traditional head of the ancient Ado kingdom including those survived to be adapted and those been forced not to adapt again to his suzerainty. His faultless conduct in that role as often, is obscure in the last century by the trails and follies of Ado cousins across the rivulets of Omosuo Adanun, Ogbese and beyond. Today, Ado has much to contend with the buffoonery of vassalage to the acrimonious parting of some villages from Ado kingdom, but in long time to come; these foibles will be seen as no more than minor death in the side of the throne. Debates and the significance changes involved whether the cumbersome apparatus of the monarchy perceived by the vassalage to be too big, too out -of- touch with his subjects is giving the kingdom value for its long history. That the debate is taking place at all is partly a result of the revolt. The fresh approach of live and let others live cast sympathetic shadows on Ewi and the royal family by the time of local government separation of most towns and villages in the old Ekiti Central in 1996. The situation therefore raised questions about the existing structure of the monarchy and its style- Is the Oba making enough contacts with his humbler subjects? Does his court really have to be run by chiefs with little knowledge of democratic governance? Is the monarchy soaking up too much revenue? Must a dozen or more of the chiefs really have to be supported with good salaries? Ado kingdom has a long political history, its origin is usually traced to the time Ewi Gberubioya magnanimously dispersed nation of princes and princesses around 1630 but still recognised as the sovereign over Ado kingdom. The kingdom has survived because it has constantly adapted or been forced to adapt to all that takes to govern a vast empire. Ewi Arutawekun 1710 -1722 lost his throne and life to his abductors during the 17th century because he would not change his style of rule. The crown has long been stripped of most of its real powers and almost entirely symbolic. Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe undoubtedly exercises discreet degree of influence that comes from such a long reign and accumulation of experience. Almost his every royal acts is done on the advise of his traditional chiefs, he summons and dissolves committee of the palace, appoints his chiefs on the advise of the respective clans, declares war against the erring and disloyal title holders, gives royal assent to lawful dethronement, consents public office holders of good character, pardons the convict at his royal courts and confers honours to desirable ones. Oba Adejugbe has always appointed astute and professional people to run the monarchy with ruthless efficiency. A major factor in the Oba Adejugbe’s enduring success and popularity is his perfect understanding of his constitutional role and his refusal to ever been drawn into active politics. His true function is above politics, he is the embodiment of the nation state and the guarantee that the kingdom shall continue to exist.The role grows in importance as the ancient Ado kingdom surrenders major decision making to the government of Ekiti State, same time offers a degree of self government to its constituent parts. To retain its validity, the Oba must still court popularity and be seen to be a proper representative of his people otherwise it would come to be regarded as irrelevant in a larger traditional societytussling his rightful position among the sixteenth Ekiti Pelupelu. Ado has always dispelled an image that it is stock in the past of old privileged aristocracy. Ewi- in council has long sensed and been quietly told by some handwriting on the wall that there is a desire to beef up effective monarchy without completely destroying its colour, ceremony and tradition. Changes since the Morgan chieftaincy commission of 1978 have been significant and far reaching. Morgan has taken away some rights and privileges particularly the right of annexation. Once a community is being recognised by the government, their Baale wears the crown all about. Even if a village has few houses with some handful population, the head of the place becomes an Oba with paraphernalia. Some aberrant princes with pet ideas taking the advantage to word off over lordship or probably to avenge bruised ego now struts about with air of importance having the support of the government to insult contemptuously some first class Obas simply because of the rejection of their ancestors’ deft historical manipulation. The traditional institution presents a paradox; appealing for its grandeur and panoply of symbolisms. Yet it is repelling for near impotence in the power structures of the modern state. Ado tradition could hardly blend now with the pride of Ado la ti a jewi or the delight of Amosoroun o eh by the realities of our environment. Obas have been completely reduced, they must not have feelings, beliefs and opinions, and if they do they must not express them. Yet, they are expected not to take preference, even though the policy and the actions of those in power may affect them like every other person. Worst still, they are forced to dance to the drum beat of whoever is in power even if the Obas and the vast majority of their subjects hate the sound and find the beat undanceable. They must not descend so low as to be full time players in the profane world of business. They must on the contrary wait for their manna to drop from heaven and that heaven can be pure hell if it is occupied by a hostile government. There have been token attempt to insert more down- to – earth tourist visits into the Ewi’s palace. The Nigeria Breweries, MTN service provider and the foreign attaché from the embassies had set the pace and it is left for the palace to utilise every opportunity to conserve and to re-dedicate. The palace needs a museum, a standard library, newsletters or royal dispatch, royal diary and a palace historian who will logically and timely follow up the work of the late griot, Monseigneur Anthony Oguntuyi who had contributed immensely to the history of Ado Ekiti. Oba Adejugbe is at heart a traditionalist and it is hardly unlikely at his life time thathe would make sweeping changes to the kingdom’s style of monarchy, for example; Olorunborun Day popularly known as Udirokois like Halloween holiday in Europe. The day was symbolically associated with the period of praise worship when prayers were offered to the heavens. Like the eve of All Souls days which were observed to purify the spirit of the dead in Rome. Ado war chiefs are led by Bafonin an all night jamboree following the assemblage of other military commanders and mercenaries to give an annual post war reports. Oba Adejugbe Aladesanmi III knows that continuity in the crown is the strongest suit; significant change of approach must wait till the next century. The true legacy of the preceding Ewis; Odundun Anirare Aladesanmi II and Oba Samuel Adeyemi Adelabu were not minor shuffling of the royal engagement diary to satisfy some vague personal desires. The royal precursors had given the kingdom its long time future in the intelligent, Dr. Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III. CON ,JP. I prayerfully wish him, the entire household and all citizens of Ado Ekiti a prosperous new traditional year and I say floreat collegium.