The Ekiti State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on the 66th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
In a statement, the Governor of the association, Olasunkanmi Dada, hailed the monarch for projecting the heritage of the town in the last 65 years.
“Since 1959, Kabiyesi has stood as a pillar of culture, tradition, and wisdom, carrying the heritage of one of the country’s richest lands with grace and dignity. His reign remains a testament to the resilience of our heritage, the depth of our history, and the pride of our identity as Yorubas.”
The highly-revered monarch, who turned 92 in August, 2025 is loved and celebrated by his people for his dedication and preservation of the beautiful heritage and history of the ancient town.
One of such, according to Dada, is the celebration of the annual Àkè festival, known as Odún Àkè by the people of the community.
“Odún Àkè is not just a festival, but who we are. It is celebrated with pomp and pageantry by the good people of Igede-Ekiti. It is one festival that binds every son and daughter of Igede together,” Dada explained.
As part of the efforts to record the story behind the festival for posterity, Dada disclosed that he is rounding off plans to put Àkè story into a movie.
Àkè cum Igede Ekiti has a very rich history. And it should equally be noted that the popular Osun River has its source in Igede Ekiti.
The proposed movie on Àkè will be quite entertaining and educative, especially to the good people of Igede-Ekiti.
