The annual Odun Ade Festival in Imesi-Ekiti would serve the purpose of epochal rejuvenation and lubrication of the cultural interplay of family ties and bonding ethics in Yoruba land, the organisers have said.

The event, scheduled for Nov. 11 is also to foster the age long relationship between the idigenes of Akure and Imesi-Ekiti, with the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Odudun Il, expected to be in attendance.

A statement signed by the Onimesi of Ekiti, Oba

Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi ll, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekti on Tuesday, said that the event would also culturally expose why the Yorubas are who they are.

At the event, the Deji is expected to wage a “bonding war” against the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi ll.

The Deji of Akure kingdom, who is the Chairman of Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, will mobilise all the notable Obas in the State and entire Osokoti Clan of Akure to converge on Imesi-Ekiti to stoke the age-long fraternal bonding between the Onimesi and Osokoti Clan of Akure.

The event, Oba Olatunde said, was a historical traditional festival when the people of Imesi-Ekiti glorify the eminence of the town, showcase its royal grandeur, and foster relationships among its kiths and kins.

“This fraternal bonding war is rooted in the historical pedigree of the present Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, whose grandmother; Supelewa, an Akure Princess from the Osokoti clan, migrated to Imesi-Ekiti during the reign of my forefathers.

“The celebration of the tradition became imperative to sanctify the fate-holding providence that fell on the present Onimesi who has spent almost his entire working life in Akure, Ondo State.

“The fraternal war of traditional bonding will include among others, the present Onimesi gathering the royal household to culturally show gratitude to the Deji of Akure, and the entire Osokoti Clan from Akure for giving them a great woman, who produced the king.

“Hence, this year’s Odun Ade is offering an avalanche of cultural festivities that showcase what bond and binds us together.

“It is a war of bonding not of division,” he said.

The Chairman, Ekiti Council of traditional rulers, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro would be at Imesi-Ekiti to receive and welcome his counterpart from Ondo state, the statement said. (NAN)

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