Ulefunta Festival in Akure celebrates culture, heritage, and unity, attracting locals and diaspora while boosting tourism and economic growth
The Ulefunta Festival in Akure, Ondo State, has emerged as a vibrant celebration of the city’s cultural heritage, drawing indigenes from home and the diaspora each August and September.
The festival, which honours traditions, ancestors, and community values, serves as a platform for unity, reflection, and royal blessings for future endeavours.
At the heart of the festival is the seven-day seclusion of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, who engages in prayers for peace, prosperity, and development across the kingdom.
Oba Aladelusi described Ulefunta as an emerging national brand that fosters cultural preservation, strengthens unity, and contributes to economic growth.
“This festival is a unifying platform for indigenes, both at home and abroad, to reconnect with their heritage and renew their commitment to preserving our traditions,” the monarch said.
During the seclusion period, public events are limited, drums are silenced, and certain roads are closed, providing the monarch space for sacred rituals.
The festival also highlights the people’s connection to the land, symbolising gratitude to their ‘motherland’ and tributes to ancestors.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Ulefunta serves as a cultural and economic catalyst. Soul-stirring music performances, traditional dances, and exhibitions of Akure’s intricate crafts and local cuisine enrich the festival experience.
Visitors are treated to melodious performances, including the famed De Emerald’s choir, and vibrant displays of artistry, reinforcing the city’s creative identity.
The festival also drives tourism. Media practitioner Kunle Ajibogun noted, “Ulefunta provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience our rich cultural heritage and enjoy the city’s warm hospitality.”
According to Ondo State Tourism Board reports, the festival generates millions of naira annually, boosting local businesses and attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
The event’s grandeur is amplified by royal pageantry. The Deji, in full regalia alongside his queens and visiting monarchs such as the Olowo of Owo and Amapetu of Mahin, receives homage from social clubs, trade unions, professional bodies, and non-indigenous groups.
Masquerades, traditional worshippers, and cultural troupes perform, creating a spectacle that celebrates Akure’s unity and diversity.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the festival for promoting cultural identity, economic growth, and social cohesion.
He highlighted Ulefunta as a reminder of shared history, resilience, and collective aspirations, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions and youth engagement in preserving cultural heritage.
Chairman of the Ulefunta Central Working Committee, Hon Sunday Falae, described the festival as a cherished tradition that celebrates community resilience, creativity, and achievements.
“By preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage, we foster a sense of belonging and identity for our youth, ensuring the continuity of our traditions,” he said.
Oba Aladelusi affirmed that Ulefunta has become a pinnacle of cultural celebration in Akure, comparable to the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode.
He emphasised ongoing efforts to unite indigenes, strengthen the kingdom, and develop Akure into a thriving capital city while maintaining its rich cultural legacy.
“The results of our prayers are already visible through the promotion of Akure sons and daughters across all strata of life. We remain committed to uniting our people for the good of the land,” the monarch said.
Business3 years ago
