….says festival not idolatry
The Senior Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tax and Revenue Matters, Hon. Ayodeji Adarabierin has extended congratulations to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and the Eyesorun Olori Bosede Adejugbe as Ado marks the 2025 Udiroko Festival in Ekiti State.
According to the Ado Ekiti born political juggernaut, the cultural event, which is also known as “Odun Olorunborun” is not Idolatry but a period set aside to give thanks to their creator and pray for the indigenes of the town, Ekiti State, and Nigeria in general.
Adarabierin says that Udiroko signifies the existence of the Ado people as an entity, noting that the essence of the celebration is to, annually, remember the historical foundation of the Ado kingdom.
He added that the Udiroko festival has nothing to do with fetish idolatry .
Hon Adarabierin stated further that Udiroko literally derived its name from under the Iroko tree and is the first day in the Ado-Ekiti calendar year, to remember and celebrate the first meeting of Ado people under the Iroko tree.
“The festival has nothing to do with rituals or idolism, because two of the major religious sects in the State also participate in the annual festival which usually starts with Jumat Service on Friday and precedes the first day event of the week-long celebration.
“It ends with church thanksgiving service, and it is usually rotated annually among the various churches in Ado-Ekiti, so this has clearly shown that it has nothing to do with idol worshipping but a time that, we as Ado Indigenes celebrate the founding of Ado Kingdom and the first meeting of the Ado-Ekiti people under the Iroko tree” he noted.
He added that the annual festival which is held at the Ewi Palace, iis renowned for its grandeur, colourful pageantry, and celebration of Ado Ekiti heritage, and pride.
Hon. Adarabierin who is also the Convener of a Frontline political group known as Asipa Political Family highlighted the festival’s enduring role as a symbol of cultural preservation and unity, lauding Oba Adejugbe for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the town.
“This vibrant festival remains a proud symbol of our cultural heritage and unity,“We salute our Kabiyesi’s visionary leadership and the enduring spirit of the Ado people, whose contributions continue to enrich Ekiti State” he remarked.
Hon. Ayodeji Adarabierin extends his greetings to the Ewi in Council, Ado Progressive Union, Ado heritage group and other Age groups in the town.
He urged Ado sons and daughters as well as residents of the town to be moderate in celebration, while also calling on them to pray and join forces with the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whom he said has positively transformed Ado Ekiti, the State Capital.
