By David Sodipe Nestled amid breathtaking mountain ridges and blessed with an invigorating highland climate, the ancient hill kingdom of Efon Alaaye came alive in a spectacular celebration of culture, heritage, intellectual excellence and community development as it hosted the grand finale of the 43rd Efon Alaaye Day. Renowned for its rich history, scholarship and […] The post Efon Alaaye celebrates heritage, honours Oyebanji, Bamidele appeared first on Tribune Online .
By David Sodipe
Nestled amid breathtaking mountain ridges and blessed with an invigorating highland climate, the ancient hill kingdom of Efon Alaaye came alive in a spectacular celebration of culture, heritage, intellectual excellence and community development as it hosted the grand finale of the 43rd Efon Alaaye Day.
Renowned for its rich history, scholarship and distinguished tradition of learning, the kingdom was transformed into a vibrant arena of culture, pageantry and communal solidarity as sons, daughters and friends of Efon Alaaye converged from across Nigeria and the diaspora to celebrate their shared heritage and renew their commitment to the development of the community.
The week-long celebration featured a series of activities, culminating in the grand finale at the Efon Alaaye Stadium on Saturday, August 22, before the festivities formally came to an end with a National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, August 23.
One of the major highlights of the grand finale was the announcement by the paramount ruler of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare, the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, of honorary chieftaincy titles for two prominent sons of the soil, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and the Leader of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.
Governor Oyebanji was named the Bashorun Ataiyese of Efon Kingdom, while Senator Bamidele was conferred with the honorary title of Okanlomo Atunluse of Efon Kingdom.
Announcing the royal honours, Oba Aladejare described the recognitions, alongside admissions into the prestigious Efon Alaaye Hall of Fame and Roll of Honours, as expressions of the kingdom’s enduring values of service, excellence and dedication.
The monarch emphasised that Efon Alaaye does not forget those who have distinguished themselves through meaningful contributions to the kingdom, noting that the two new chiefs would be formally installed and adorned with their respective titles when circumstances permit. He also disclosed that plans were underway to honour other eminent citizens of the kingdom with prestigious chieftaincy titles.
Reflecting on the history of the annual celebration, Oba Aladejare recalled that Efon Day began on August 24, 1984, as a solemn thanksgiving service organised in the aftermath of the turbulent political crisis of 1983.
According to him, what started as a modest gathering of thanksgiving has, over the past four decades, evolved into a major annual festival that celebrates Efon Alaaye’s culture, communal bonds and collective aspirations for socioeconomic development.
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The monarch also commended the philanthropic spirit of indigenes, particularly their contributions to the ongoing Palace Renovation Project. He disclosed that contributions to the project had exceeded N100 million under the leadership of Chief Patrick Akinboye Ojo.
In his address, the President-General of the Efon Alaaye Development League (EDL), Engr. Olumuyiwa Aiyegbusi, called on indigenes at home and abroad to strengthen their collective commitment to the development of the kingdom.
Aiyegbusi urged the people to support initiatives aimed at advancing good governance, education, commerce and industrialisation, while making a strong case for greater private-sector investment in Efon Alaaye.
He identified the town’s temperate climate, peaceful environment and scenic mountain landscape as major advantages that could support the development of tourism, hotels, holiday homes and other hospitality-related businesses.
Also speaking, the EDL Vice-President 1 and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Kolawole Ajumobi, expressed appreciation to members of the planning committee, branch executives across Nigeria and diaspora chapters for their financial and moral contributions to the success of the celebration despite prevailing economic challenges.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Efon Local Government, Hon. Segun Afolabi, commended the cordial relationship among the local government, the traditional institution and the EDL.
Afolabi highlighted some of the development initiatives taking place in the community, revealing that the reconstruction of the Alaaye Palace had reached an advanced stage, following a take-off grant provided by Governor Oyebanji.
He also disclosed that work on the historic Erekesan Market, which was temporarily suspended, would soon resume.
According to him, the state government is also encouraging private-sector participation in the provision of municipal water and electricity, with two independent investors currently bidding for opportunities in the sector.
He urged residents to take advantage of the subsidised prepaid metre rollout to ensure more accurate and transparent electricity billing.
With the 43rd Efon Alaaye Day celebration drawing to a close, the ancient hills of Efon Alaaye once again provided a fitting backdrop to a people deeply conscious of their history and heritage, yet determined to build a more prosperous future.
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