The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside no fewer than 45 other prominent traditional rulers across Yorubaland, is expected to headline the 2026 edition of the Ita-Ajero Festival in Ekiti State, a cultural event being repositioned as a major showcase of Yoruba history, unity, and heritage.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, announced this in Ado-Ekiti on Friday while presenting a Certificate of Recognition for the festival to the Ijero-Ekiti Kingdom. He described Ita-Ajero as “a formidable Yoruba historical and cultural fiesta” rather than a mere social carnival.
According to him, the festival recreates an ancient tradition where Yoruba monarchs gathered at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti to deliberate on issues affecting the Yoruba people, offer prayers, and reinforce unity across kingdoms.
He explained that in the historical setting, the Ajero regarded as one of the prominent descendants of Oduduwa hosted other Yoruba rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, with the gathering arranged in a circular format, symbolising equality and shared heritage. The monarchs, dressed in royal regalia, would be accompanied by their aides holding their staffs of office, as they collectively prayed and discussed the progress of Yorubaland.
The 2026 edition, scheduled for August 21, is expected to be larger and more elaborate, with the Ooni who also graced previous editions confirmed among the key royal figures expected to attend, alongside over 45 traditional rulers from across the region.
Ojo-Lanre said the recognition aligns with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s tourism-driven development agenda aimed at expanding Ekiti State’s cultural and economic appeal through heritage tourism.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, is supporting initiatives that reposition cultural festivals as tools for tourism growth and community development.
Receiving the recognition certificate on behalf of the Ijero-Ekiti community, Mrs Fadeke Oguntuase said preparations were already underway for a more expansive and well-organised 2026 edition of the festival.
She commended the state tourism bureau for its support and commitment to promoting indigenous culture, noting that the upgraded Ita-Ajero Festival would further highlight the historical significance of Ijero-Ekiti within Yoruba heritage.
The festival is convened under the leadership of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Joseph Adewole, who is working with stakeholders to elevate the event into a flagship cultural celebration for Yorubaland.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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