The ancient community of Okemesi-Ekiti came alive for the triennial Oladunwo Festival, a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage that drew crowds and sparked calls for increased state investment in tourism to boost economic growth

Okemesi-Ekiti, nestled in the Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was a hive of activity on Saturday for the vibrant celebration of the iconic Okemesi Oladunwo Festival.

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Hundreds of residents, both local and from the diaspora, along with guests from across the country and various dignitaries, thronged the ancient community to witness this year’s triennial cultural heritage celebration, featuring the popular Oladunwo masquerade.

The event was themed ‘Let’s Celebrate Our Rich Cultural Heritage and Values’.

Speaking at the gathering, Chief Akin Osuntokun, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and the Balogun of Okemesi, stated that the traditional event serves as a valuable platform not only to showcase the community’s rich cultural heritage but also to galvanise support for its socio-economic development.

He urged the state government to increase investment in the cultural and tourism sectors, particularly within Okemesi, stressing that such investment would yield significant economic benefits for both the town and the wider state.

Osuntokun also drew the governor’s attention to the urgent need to bridge gaps hindering the growth of the town’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.

Osuntokun, who chaired the 2025 event, affirmed, “The Okemesi Cultural Heritage celebration embodies our commitment to preserving and promoting our rich cultural values, which prioritise unity, security, and shared responsibility.”

He added, “The festival also offers a platform for fostering initiatives that uplift the community, while also uniting all sons, daughters, and friends, in a collective celebration of identity.”

The former Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 general election commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to the state’s infrastructural development, calling on the people to support the governor for another four years.

Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, stated that the state government is actively working to elevate the festival into a recognised tourism attraction for Ekiti State.

He emphasised that Ekiti remains a space that encourages innovation, knowledge-sharing, and economic growth.

The commissioner expressed his delight at the massive turnout, stressing that the festival would significantly boost the local economy when fully utilised.

The Owa Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, explained that contributions from community leaders, businesses, and residents affirmed their dedication to maintaining Okemesi as a safe, inclusive, and prosperous ancient town where traditions are honoured and progress is celebrated.

“As we embrace the spirit of this year’s festivities, let us take pride in our Okemesi-Ekiti identity, and instil in future generations the values of integrity, respect, and community development,” Oba Adedeji urged.

“The Okemesi Cultural Heritage celebration is a call to action for us all to champion our culture, and stand united against forces that threaten our peace and values.”

Speaking further on the importance of the festival, the traditional ruler highlighted it as a cultural gathering that attracts people from outside the state to witness the various displays of masquerades, especially the most prominent one called Ladunwo.

Oba Adedeji also commended Governor Oyebanji for his ongoing efforts in improving infrastructure across the state, and in Okemesi in particular.

“This Egungun festival is enough for the government to invest in. If you say you want to go and climb a mountain, visit museum, we have it in Okemesi here,” Oba Adedeji proudly declared, pointing to the town’s rich, untapped tourism potential.