Ekiti Monarch Seeks Global Recognition for Ogun Onire Festival

The Onire of Ire Ekiti, Oba Adeleke Bobade, has called for broader national and international recognition of the Ogun Onire Festival, saying the annual celebration can become a major tourism and economic asset for Ekiti State and Nigeria.

Speaking in Ire Ekiti at the close of events marking his 20th coronation anniversary, the monarch said the town has cultural resources that can support a larger festival economy if governments at both levels give the event stronger institutional backing. He pointed to the Ogun Grove, the Bembe drum tradition and the wider festival programme as heritage assets that can attract visitors from within and outside the country.

Ogun, regarded as the god of iron in Yoruba history, is closely linked with Ire Ekiti and is honoured every year through the Ogun Onire Festival. Oba Bobade said the current scale of the celebration does not reflect its potential. He said, "I am not satisfied with the present state of the celebration of Ogun Onire. This festival has great tourism potential and can be turned into a more popular and money-spinning event that attracts people from across the globe."

The monarch also said, "We are calling on the federal and state governments to give the Ogun Onire Festival the attention it deserves and develop it to world-standard festival status." He added that coordinated investment could help position the event as an international attraction and generate public revenue.

Friday's grand finale for the monarch's 20th year on the throne drew traditional rulers and representatives from across the South-West, including envoys linked to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemi Adejugbe. Political leaders, community voices and other prominent Nigerians also attended.

Reviewing his two decades in office, Oba Bobade said Ire Ekiti has recorded progress in education, infrastructure and socio-economic development. He said the town now hosts a study centre of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, has built a modern civic centre and has expanded youth and human capital development initiatives.

He thanked God for sustained peace and unity in the community, saying collaboration among indigenes at home and abroad has supported local growth.

Despite the gains, the monarch raised concern over the condition of roads linking Ire Ekiti and appealed to authorities to address the problem.

Leaders of the Ire Development Council, including President Ayodeji Abe and former president Col. Adedotun Adeyeye (retd.), said Oba Bobade's reign has brought notable development and stable coexistence that has supported the community's social and economic progress.