The Arinjale of Ise Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Adetunji David Ayodele Ajayi, PhD, MON, JP, Aweloye II, says the Ojoaduse Festival remains a vital instrument for cultural preservation, unity, and sustainable development in Ise-Ekiti.
The royal father made this known during a press briefing in his palace in Ise-Ekiti as activities marking the Ojoaduse Festival begins.
Addressing members of the press, community leaders, and indigenes, Oba Ajayi described the festival as a sacred cultural institution deeply rooted in the history, traditions, and identity of the people of Ise-Ekiti. He explains that Ojoaduse serves as a platform for cultural expression, moral instruction, and intergenerational interaction, while reinforcing values of unity, respect, hard work, and communal living.
According to the monarch, despite the pressures of modernization and cultural erosion, the Ojoaduse Festival continues to promote peace, harmony, and social haŕmonisation. He explained further that it also attracts visitors, and enhance cultural tourism within the community.
Oba Ajayi noted that the festival has also contributed significantly to the development of Ise-Ekiti over the years. He points to improvements and expansion of the palace, the development of the civic centre, and increased visibility of the town as some of the notable gains, emphasizing that cultural heritage and development can complement each other when properly harnessed.
The Arinjale commended sons and daughters of Ise-Ekiti in diaspora for their consistent financial, intellectual, and professional contributions to the festival and other community projects. He assures them that transparency, accountability, and a shared vision for progress continue to guide the use of their support.
Calling for collective ownership of the festival, the monarch urged the youths professional associations, community development unions, religious bodies, and market associations to actively participate in planning, funding, and promotion to ensure the sustainability of Ojoaduse for future generations.
On infrastructure, Oba Ajayi appealed to government at all levels to prioritize the rehabilitation of internal and access roads in Ise-Ekiti, as well as the renewal of public infrastructure including health facilities, schools, water supply systems, electricity, drainage, and environmental sanitation. He stressed that improved infrastructure is critical to economic growth, quality of life, and successful cultural tourism.
The monarch expressed confidence that with effective collaboration between government and the community, Ise-Ekiti can evolve into a model semi-urban town with improved living standards and greater investment opportunities.
He reaffirms his commitment to peace, unity, inclusive development, and the preservation of cultural heritage, while appreciating the media for their role in informing the public and projecting the aspirations of the people.
Prominent personalities expected to grace the Ojoaduse Festival include the Agbaakin of Ise Ekiti, Honourable Tajudeen; Senator Bamidele Opeyemi; Honourable Niyi Ojuawo; Senator Adaramodu; Senator Dayo Adeyeye; members of the House of Representatives, commissioners, and other high-profile dignitaries.
