President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu are expected to grace the 35th coronation anniversary and 80th birthday celebration of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe.

At a news conference held at the Ewi’s Palace, Prince Segun Famuagun, Global President of the Ado Progressive Union, announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu will serve as chief launcher, while Senator Ibikunle Amosun will act as co-launcher. The Ooni of Ife will attend as the Royal Father of the Day.

Week-Long Celebration to Honour the Monarch

Prince Famuagun said the week-long festivities will include the disbursement of ₦100,000 bursaries to 50 indigent students of Ekiti origin. The five-day programme aims to highlight Oba Adejugbe’s contributions to the growth of Ado-Ekiti and the broader development of Ekiti State.

Scheduled activities include:

• Homage by groups and chiefs
• A football match on Wednesday
• A Thursday colloquium themed “The Impact of Royal Fathers in Ado Community”
• Scholarship presentations for outstanding WAEC and GCE candidates, as well as essay competition winners

Academics from Ekiti State University will also present on the history of Ado-Ekiti and the impact of the monarch’s 35-year reign.

Cultural and Academic Highlights

Festivities will begin with a Jumat service at the central mosque, followed by a photo exhibition and drama presentation at the palace chronicling the monarch’s life from ascension to the throne.

On Saturday, the monarch’s royal book will be launched, alongside the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Ado-Ekiti.

The celebrations will culminate on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at St. Emmanuel’s Cathedral, Okesha, followed by a grand reception at the palace.