- …Governor Oyebanji applauds Owa-Ooye, others
Considering dignitaries from all walks of life who converged on the sprawling town of Okemesi-Ekiti, the Headquarters of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area and a notable town in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large, was on Saturday 26th October, 2024, came alive as they celebrated the 22nd edition of existence in unity, peace and progress in a cultural day that also showcased the dynamics of her rich cultural heritage. DEMOLA ATOBABA, who went to the ancient town of the famous Fabunmi Isola Adesoye Abe (Oraralada) to exhume the historical event of the town, brings the highlights…
Okemesi-Ekiti, gate-way to Ekiti State, popularly called the ‘Land of Honour’, from the Western part of Nigeria, is reputed for bravery and once paraded the highest number of professors in the whole of the federation.
This year’s edition of Okemesi Day celebrations of cultural display may have come and gone, but not without its glitz, glamour and exciting ‘take aways’ such participants and entire good people of Okemesi and thousands of guests from far and near may not forget the hilarious 5-days event in a hurry, even as bookmakers have been putting pens on papers to document the memorable event for posterity.
This is because, for 5-days, the town was virtually on a lock down, not for wrong reasons of fuel scarcity or civil unrest, but ostensibly in joyful celebration of a carnival, in form of showcasing the rich cultural and artistic peculiarities of Okemesi people to the outside world.
The celebration, which is one of the event packaged by the leadership of Federation of Okemesi Improvement Unions (FOIU) in conjunction with the Okemesi Day Planning Committee, organized in unison for all sons and daughters of the community, afford the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, another opportunity to offer prayers for the people of the community for the new year.
Starting from the early hours of Tuesday, October 21 with free healthcare mission to over 1,500 beneficiaries and followed with a press conference. All roads lead to the Palace of Owa-Ooye of Okemesi, His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Ariyowonye II, witnessed a beehive of traditional and modern activities as both left and right of the roads was painted red with colourful display as the talents hunt night show among the youth of the community took a centre stage on Friday night and held till mama call.
The festival is unique and important to the people of Okemesi and visitors at large who turned out in their large numbers from far and near to witness the display of culture, tradition and communal bond at its best!
Unlike an annual traditional festival celebrated in most towns in Yorubaland in general, the Okemesi Day celebrations comes once in every three years, hence the hype and expectations of indigenes to be around and physically witness the epoch making event.
Different tribes such as Urohbo, Ebira, Igbo, Fulani, Igala, Igede, Nupe and Hausa were not left behind as they also added glamour to the grand occasion.
The situation apparently was responsible for the large turn out of indigenes and guests in high expectations of the long expected ceremony which was last celebrated in 2018, due to a nationwide economy situation.
The saturday’s event was marked by loud celebration in many streets and major roads as the ‘Olobinrin Ile’ from various compounds in the town painted the sleepy community red dancing round the town, many of them in special uniforms for the occasion while a few others entertained the crowd with different local drums to the admiration of enthusiastic spectators.
As early as 10:15am, hundreds of Okemesi sons and daughters including visitors stormed the venue where the grandfinale was held, Fabunmi Memorial High School playing field, along Ajindo/Ikoro road in preparatory to the commencement of the ceremony.
And in what signalled the opening of the cultural fiesta, the traditional ruler of the town, HRM Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, CON, in company with his beautiful Oloris arrived the special seats. He was joined by a retinue of traditional rulers ranging from Olojudo of Ido-Ile Ekiti, HRM Oba Obaleye among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji congratulated Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, all sons and daughters of the community for witnessing another unique celebration in unison.
Governor Oyebanji who spoke through the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda, SAN described Okemesi community a home of intellectual giants and a town with rich cultural heritage among Yorubaland.
While reinstated his commitment towards bringing more developmental projects to Okemesi, the governor thanked the people of the town for the confidence reposed in him and for their support since the inception of his administration as governor of the state.
In his key note address, the Chairman Planning Committee for the celebration, Hon. Johnson Oyekola Bode-Adeoye welcome all guests to the occasion. He thanked members of the committee for their commitment towards the successful event and the development of the community despite their busy scheduled.
According to him, “Okemesi Day is a bi-annual event that is organised to bring everyone in the community, both home and abroad together in communal love for the celebration of unity and our harmonious co-existence in a most patriotic way that uplifts our community and engender peace and tranquility which are the necessary catalysts for progress and meaningful development in any community”.
Hon. Adeoye hinted that, “Okemesi Day last held in 2018 and we have not been able to hold another one due to one prevailing reason or the other. I am therefore super happy that our community is fully back on the track of integration, brotherhood and communal love with an uncommon spirit of patriotism and determination as a people and a community that is very ready for the desired maximum cooperation that will herald speedy development and improvements of our environment in a manner that it prospers everyone”.
JOBA, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly applauded the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji on the reconstruction of the Itawure – Okemesi, Ido-Ile – Okemesi and Okemesi – Ijero road which he has affirmed his absolute resolve to execute these projects. He therefore, pledged the total support of Okemesi people towards the success of Mr governor’s administration.
In a chat with newsmen, the Executive Chairman of Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA, Hon. Chief Owolabi Ajibade and one of the illustrious son of the town who doubled as a member of the planning committee, Mr Gbenga Oluwaniyi congratulate the Kabiesi and the people of the town over the successful outing.
The duo appealed to all sons and daughters to continue donating bountifully towards the realisation of the targeted #100 million Appeal Fund for the completion of the on-going construction of a befitting and ultra-modern royal palace.
Highlights of the event include, the fund-raiser wherein a reasonable amount of money was realized for the the completion of the ongoing ultra-modern Owa-Ooye Palace, plus other developmental projects within the town. Commissioning of modern Okemesi roundabout built by Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA chairman, Hon. Chief Owolabi Ajibade and his team.
Also, Ijala rendition where intermittent booming of the guns rented the air, but shots were not hoodlums’s tools, but the town’s hunters’ way of adding colour to the historic event.
Others include Ayo Olopon, theater presentation by troupe and the parade of masquerades where homage were paid to the king and entertained the attendees with their dancing skills as they were equally rewarded with wads of naira notes from the king and appreciative onlookers.
Not more than over hundred of different Olobinrin Ile from various quarters in all also paid homepage and thereby displayed each in order to thrilled quests with various special and unique aso ebi of many colours.
The arrival of the long awaited Chief Launchers and his team, Olorogun Kelvin Kuku who happened to be guests of Otunba Kayode Olagunju, when stormed the arena was massive. His coming required a special announcement even by the MC to the blind as the whole environment changed and became uncontrollable for the mere fact that virtually everyone was in a haste to catch a glimpse of his entourage.
Entering into Okemesi community from any axis, one could easily feel the impulse of the ceremony as people of the ancient town both young and old including the 2024 Okemesi planning committee were seen in beautiful an branded attires which is one of the symbols of the biennial celebrations.
While the colourful event lasted, there was no any untoward event as men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Amotekun Corps and other security outfits were fully unground to take charge of security of lives and properties before, during and after the ceremony.
The former Chairman of Ekiti traditional of rulers and Owa-Ooye of Okemesi Land, HRM Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Ecipsmn in his address appealed to both the State and Federal Government to join hands with the town to transform the community into international standard to attract global recognition.
According to the Monarch, “I am delighted today seeing personalities around and celebrating together. I give glory to God Almighty for peace and health of Okemesi land. Although, no royal father is without challenges, but I thank my subjects for their immense support and love, which have helped me bear the heavy weight of my legislative, executive and judiciary responsibilities”.
Oba Adedeji, however, asked that the indigenes of the town should be more patriotic because through this “we can fast-track a better and stronger society.”
In a related development, the CEO and Chairman of Vital Foam Company, the Asiwaju of Okemesiland, Chief Samuel Bolarinde admonished all to give back to the society who brought them to limelights.
His words: “We need a lot of money for the developmental projects and many of our people are doing well outside but they don’t normally come home for this kind of annual get-together”.
Asiwaju Bolarinde submitted that, “Okemesi is our Jerusalem and we must join hands to develop this land. Wherever we are, anywhere in the world, we must all come home and contribute our quotas”.
Delivering his welcome address, the National President of the Federation of Okemesi Improvement Unions (FOIU), Engr. Nathaniel Olaoye thanked all sons and daughters of the community for their support in various capacity to ensure the town move forward.
He described the event as a rallying point to Okemesi indigenes both home and diaspora which tempo must sustained for the generation yet unborn.
His words: “We don’t have any other home to call ours, this is our source and we must ensure that our heritage must not die, adding that each and everyone needs to contribute their quotas for her success.
Also, the FOIU Vice President, Otunba Kayode Olagunju explained that over time, the celebration has become a major rallying point and attraction to the people of the town who converge once every three-years from all walks of life to observe the beauty of our culture and tradition.
He observed that, this year edition was unique, it was well planned, well organized and very successful indeed.
Otunba Olagunju, therefore, charged all sons and daughters of the community to be more participating in organising, fund-raising and the development of the town.
The event was indeed a moment of high frenzy and celebration in Okemesi-Ekiti on Saturday as the community showcased it’s unique export to the nation’s cultural essence.
Amidst the throbbing performance of over five Master of Ceremony, a live bands from the world-class gospel maestro, Apostle Elijah Akintunde popularly known as Olórun Kò So Béé and his simplemanair band, plus other several cultural groups side attraction show were fully on standby to thrilled guests. There was no dull moment at the ceremony. It took the setting of the sun and ultimately a downpour for the event to grudgingly come to an end.
If you have visited Okemesi community and you haven’t witnessed any of the ‘Okemesi Day’ fiesta, then you need to visit again with the sole purpose of witnessing the crowd-pulling unique and amazing celebrations as everything about Okemesi Day 2024 was indeed grand!
