By Law Ibitoye
Ire-Ekiti was a beehive of activities on Friday, February 27, 2026, as sons, daughters and visitors from across the country converged on the ancient town to celebrate the 20th coronation anniversary of the Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Bobade Adeleke.
The grand event marked two decades since the monarch ascended the throne of his forebears in December 2005, and it provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable transformation recorded under his reign. Speaking at the celebration, the visibly elated monarch described the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, unity, cultural heritage and purposeful leadership.
According to him, the peace, stability and development witnessed in Ire-Ekiti over the last 20 years were products of collective effort, sustained cooperation and the unwavering support of indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
“Over these 20 years, we have witnessed remarkable progress socially, economically and institutionally through deliberate partnerships with government, the organised private sector, key stakeholders and our vibrant diaspora community,” the monarch said.
Oba Bobade highlighted notable achievements recorded during his reign, including the elevation of the Ogun Onire Festival to international recognition by UNESCO, a milestone that has helped project Ire-Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage to the global stage.
In the area of infrastructure, the monarch listed the reactivation of the Ire-Ekiti Burnt Bricks Factory, the construction of a standard police station and a customary court by the community—both handed over to the Ekiti State Government—as well as the completion of the Ire Civic Centre.
On education, Oba Bobade noted that Ire-Ekiti now boasts 11 public primary schools, six private primary schools, two public secondary schools and two private secondary schools. He also disclosed that the town hosts a satellite campus of Federal University of Oye‑Ekiti, with a fast-growing Mass Communication Department, among others.
The monarch urged indigenes, both at home and abroad, to remain steadfast in supporting the town’s development and to continue being worthy ambassadors of Ire-Ekiti wherever they find themselves.
A major highlight of the celebration was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on eminent personalities—both indigenes and non-indigenes—who have distinguished themselves in their careers and contributed to community development. Among those honoured were: Chief Femi Osatuyi and his wife, who were installed as Aare Bobatolu and Yeye Aare Bobatolu of Ire-Ekiti; Engineer Ademola Sunday and Mrs Roseline Kemi Sunday as Baba Akorede and Yeye Akorede; and Dr Ladi Oluseyi Abiodun as the Eye Ewa of Ire-Ekiti.
Others included Mr Abe Olufemi and Mrs Abe Adenike Folasade as Bobameto and Yeye Bobameto; Captain (Dr) Giorgio Enrico Del Celo as Atayese of Ire-Ekiti; Chief Benjamin Oke Omoniyi as Otunba Atewogboye; Otunba Ladi Owolabi as Atuase; and Otunba Stephen Ojo and his wife as Bobajiro and Yeye Bobajiro of Ire-Ekiti.
The colourful ceremony also showcased the unity and cultural vibrancy of the town, as indigenes from the seven quarters—Iyeni, Odo, Keleju, Egbe, Iniyein, Surulere and others—turned out in colourful traditional attires to pay homage to their monarch. Non-indigenes were not left out, as they also thronged the venue to felicitate with the Onire.
In a show of royal solidarity, no fewer than 50 traditional rulers from across Ekiti State attended the celebration, showing the respect and goodwill Oba Bobade enjoys among his peers.
Prominent sons of the town, including former House of Representatives member Bimbo Daramola, commended the monarch for his impactful reign and urged indigenes to sustain their support for the continued progress of Ire-Ekiti. The President of the Ire Development Union, Engineer Ayodeji Abe, also applauded the community for standing firmly behind the monarch, offered prayers for continued unity and development.
The event reached a festive climax with electrifying musical performances, including a young Fuji artiste whose voice closely resembles that of Wasiu Ayinde, while traditional dancers added colour and glamour to the historic celebration. No doubt, the 20th coronation anniversary of Oba Victor Bobade Adeleke stood as a testament to two decades of visionary leadership, communal harmony and sustained development in Ire-Ekiti.