President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are among the dignitaries expected at the 35th coronation anniversary and 80th birthday celebration of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe.
Speaking at a news conference at the Ewi’s Palace, the Global President of the Ado Progressive Union, Prince Segun Famuagun, announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu will serve as chief launcher, while Senator Ibikunle Amosun will act as co-launcher. The Ooni of Ife will attend as the Royal Father of the Day.
Prince Famuagun said the week-long celebration will include the disbursement of N100,000 bursaries to 50 indigent students of Ekiti origin.
He noted that the five-day programme is designed to highlight the monarch’s contributions to the growth of Ado-Ekiti and the development of Ekiti State.
Activities lined up include homage by groups and chiefs, a football match on Wednesday, and a Thursday colloquium themed “The Impact of Royal Fathers in Ado Community.” The event will also feature scholarship presentations.
According to him, academics from Ekiti State University will speak on the history of Ado-Ekiti and the impact of Oba Adejugbe’s 35-year reign.
He added that scholarship recipients were selected through a rigorous process conducted in partnership with the Ekiti State Scholarship Board. Outstanding WAEC and GCE candidates, as well as winners of the essay competition, will also be honoured on Thursday.
The festivities will begin with a Jumat service at the central mosque, followed by a photo exhibition and a drama presentation at the palace. The drama will chronicle the monarch’s life from ascension to the throne to his development over the years.
On Saturday, the monarch’s royal book will be launched, alongside the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Ado-Ekiti.
The celebration will climax on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at St. Emmanuel’s Cathedral, Okesha, followed by a grand reception at the palace.
