By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti
No fewer than 45 traditional rulers from across Yorubaland, led by the Ooni of Ife, are set to headline the 2026 edition of the Ita-Ajero Festival in Ijero-Ekiti, in what promises to be a grand celebration of royalty, culture, and history.
The rising profile of the festival follows its formal recognition by the Ekiti State Government, which recently presented a Certificate of Recognition through the Bureau of Tourism Development—a move aimed at positioning the event as a major cultural and tourism attraction.
Presenting the certificate in Ado-Ekiti, the Director-General of the Bureau, Wale Ojo-Lanre, described the Ita-Ajero Festival as a historic and unifying platform deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition, with significant potential to drive tourism and economic growth in the state.
He explained that the festival reenacts an ancient royal convergence where prominent Yoruba monarchs gathered at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti to deliberate on issues affecting the Yoruba nation, offer prayers, and strengthen unity among their people.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the vision of Biodun Oyebanji to harness the state’s rich cultural heritage as a tool for economic expansion by attracting tourists, investors, and cultural enthusiasts.
“This is not just a festival; it is a revival of a historic royal assembly that speaks to the unity, identity, and enduring legacy of the Yoruba people,” Ojo-Lanre said.
He added that the 2026 edition, scheduled for August 21, is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, with the presence of the Ooni and dozens of monarchs underscoring its growing national and international appeal.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijero-Ekiti community, Fadeke Oguntuase said preparations were already in top gear to deliver a more elaborate and globally competitive festival.
She noted that the collaboration with the Bureau marks a new phase in the evolution of the Ita-Ajero Festival, blending cultural preservation with economic opportunity.
Oguntuase commended the state government for recognising the importance of grassroots cultural heritage and its sustained commitment to promoting tourism development across communities in Ekiti State.