University of Jos - Nigeria
The Ewi of Ado- Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III (CON,JP ) has charged Nigerians and custodians of history to embrace their culture and heritage while inculcating it in the younger generation. The Ewi described history as a discipline that teaches the people about their past in relation to their present existence, source, failures and achievements of their ancestors. Historical perspectives about heroes and heroines are also said to be associated traditional narratives of cosmological leniencies and otherwise. The Monarch was speaking during the 2017 Udiroko festival in Ado-Ekiti which featured a book presentation on the history of Ado-Ekiti.
Oba Adejugbe noted that History as a subject is no more given its pride of place in schools’ curricula. The Royal Father advocated that Nigerian children should be motivated to improve their knowledge of History to the University level which he believes will enable them to have better knowledge of their source of origin and cultural identity.
The Monarch described Professor Ishola Olomola, author of the book on the history of Ado-Ekiti, as a talented and erudite Scholar of History noting that publishing the book would make its content remain relevant to generations of Ado-Ekiti indigenes yet unborn and humanity in general.
The President General, Ado Progressive Union, Chief Obafemi Ojo who is the Bobajiroro of Ado- Ekiti said the Annual Udiroko Festival is the most important festival in Ado-Ekiti and that the Udiroko day is the first day in the traditional calendar of Ekiti where people of Ado-Ekiti come and pay homage to His Royal Majesty, the Ewi and wish happy New Year to one another.
The week-long Udiroko festival climaxed with the conferment of chieftaincy titles on three prominent Nigerians by His Majesty and the launching of an ultra-modern hall in the Palace of the Ewi.
The Royal father conferred the title of Apesin of Ado-Ekiti on the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose and his wife, Yeye Apesin of Ado-Ekiti. Oba Adejugbe described Governor Fayose as an indefatigable, versatile, dogged, hardworking, energetic and transparent Governor whose name should be immortalized as a reward for his contribution and love for the people of Ado-Ekiti.
The Ewi also conferred the title of Akinmuagun of Ado-Ekiti on the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and his wife, Yeye Akinmuagun of Ado-Ekiti. The Ewi said the title was conferred on them in appreciation of their steadfastness in assisting the people of Ado-Ekiti towards the completion of the Palace Hall project, which is now considered as a monumental edifice.
Similarly, the Ewi conferred the title of Ajirosola of Ado-Ekiti on Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu and his wife, Yeye Ajirosola of Ado-Ekiti in recognition of their service to humanity, being notable philanthropists of repute in the area.
The Festival was graced by many prominent Nigerians from different works of life including the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II (OONI of Ife), Chief Wole Olanipekun, Prince Julius Adelusi, Senator George Akume, Hon. Oladipo Adebutu and Dr. Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State among other dignitaries.
Highlight of the festival were various presentations by different ethnic groups from within and outside Ekiti State in solidarity with the Ewi and the people of the State.
Signed
A.A. Abdullahi
University PRO.