Ipole-Iloro celebrates Ewi Olojo cultural heritage festival, honours late indigenes
By Kunle Michael
The Olupole of Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba E. B. Oladele (JP), over the weekend played host to prominent personalities and distinguished indigenes of the ancient town as the community celebrated its cultural heritage festival, Ewi Olojo.
The traditional ruler, while welcoming guests to the event, called on the Federal and Ekiti State governments to develop the tourism potentials of Erijiyan-Ekiti, Ikogosi-Ekiti and Ipole-Iloro, highlighting the need to harness the rich cultural and natural attractions of the three communities.
He particularly emphasised the traditional mat-weaving industry in Ipole-Iloro and the town’s natural wonder, Arinta Waterfall, as important tourism assets capable of attracting visitors and promoting economic development.
At the event, some prominent indigenes of Ipole-Iloro who had contributed immensely to the development and progress of the community during their lifetimes were posthumously honoured.
Among those recognised were the late Chief Adekunle, popularly known as Baba Adekunle Lado; the late Major Amos Obalade (rtd.); and the late Mrs Akadiri, alongside other notable sons and daughters of the community.
MTN Nigeria was also present at the festival, supporting the occasion by providing services to participants and guests.
The celebration featured performances by the Ewi Cultural Dance troupe, traditional homage dances and other cultural displays. Various groups and societies also participated in the festival, while drummers entertained the audience and added colour and excitement to the celebration.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism and Culture, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, was among the dignitaries who attended the event.
Several traditional rulers from Ekiti and Osun states also graced the occasion. They included His Majesty, Oba Kehinde Adebowale Taiwo Orilobamise, Jowele-Lori-Oko Il Onifiye Adimula of Idado-Ijesa Kingdom, in Atakunmosa East Local Government Area of Osun State; the Olohan of Erijiyan-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adegoroye Omosebi; and the Olojudo of Ido-Ile-Ekiti.
Traditional chiefs from Osun and Ondo states were also in attendance, further underscoring the cultural significance of the festival and its role in fostering unity and preserving the heritage of the people.
