The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, on the occasion of the 2026 edition of the Udiroko Cultural Fiesta that has made the state a microcosm of culture and tourism development in the country.
Senator Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the value added to Udiroko festival by Oba Adejugbe and Ado-Ekiti indigenes, has made Ekiti epicentre of culture and tourism, not only in the nation, but globally.
Senator Bamidele said these in his congratulatory message on the occasion of the 2026 edition of Udiroko, and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.
The Senate Leader saluted the Ado Ekiti people for sustaining the age-long cultural fiesta, that has become an avenue to strengthen the culture, love, unity of the people and work towards achieving greatness in all ramifications.
He stated that Oba Adejugbe has carved a niche of respect and royalty for himself, by adding panache to the celebration through partnership with multinational companies and spirited non-governmental organisations to attract investors, make Ekiti a huge tourism hub and promote local economy.
“I, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on behalf of my family and supporters, rejoice with our father, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, on the occasion of the 2026 Udiroko Festival slated for August 19, 2026.
“It is no gainsaying the fact that Udiroko has become the face of cultural festivals in Ekiti State, besides helping to launching Ekiti to a respectable cultural and tourism pedestal nationally and globally.
“I am deeply elated that Udiroko represents the celebration of the culture, customs and traditions of Ado Ekiti people, which were the common identities and cords that bind the people together as people of the same race and common values .
“As a critical stakeholder in Ekiti development, I am deeply enthralled by the lofty, glowing and remarkable contributions this festival has made to the overall development of our dear state through the values it added to its tourism and hospitality economic facets.
“I rejoice with Kabiyesi and the entire people of Ado Ekiti metropolis on this joyous occasion and pray that this celebration shall bring forth a renewed hope, unity, strength and peace for Ado Ekiti, which remains the centre of excellence and the binding force to Ekiti citizens”.
Senator Bamidele commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for investing hugely in the arts, culture and tourism sector, saying this has helped in diversifying the state’s economy and dismantle its agelong monolithic economic structure .
Specifically, Bamidele said the state government deserves kudos and commendation for partnering the Ado Ekiti people to give the cultural festival an all-round facelift to be able to contribute to the economy and raise the bar of human capital development.
