The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and over 45 prominent traditional rulers from across Yorubaland are set to headline the 2026 Ita-Ajero Festival, a major cultural event scheduled to hold in Ekiti State.
The historic festival, to be staged in Ijero-Ekiti, aims to recreate an ancient gathering of Yoruba monarchs, celebrating heritage, unity, and the shared ancestry of the Yoruba people.
Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, described the event as a powerful cultural showcase designed to preserve history and educate younger generations.
“Ita-Ajero is more than a carnival—it is a rich historical and cultural convergence that reflects the traditions and unity of Yoruba monarchs,” he said while presenting a Certificate of Recognition to the Ijero-Ekiti Kingdom in Ado Ekiti.
According to him, the festival draws from an ancient tradition where Yoruba kings of Oduduwa descent gathered at the residence of the Ajero to deliberate on issues affecting their people and offer prayers for peace and development.
At the event, monarchs are expected to sit in a symbolic circular formation, with the host king, Oba Joseph Adewole, and the Ooni at the centre, while attendants stand behind them holding royal staffs—recreating a centuries-old royal assembly.
The monarchs will also engage in discussions on challenges, opportunities, and the future of Yorubaland, while adorned in traditional regalia that reflects the richness of Yoruba culture.
The 2026 edition, scheduled for August 21, is expected to build on the success of previous festivals and attract cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.
Ojo-Lanre noted that the state government’s recognition of the festival aligns with the administration’s drive to boost tourism and cultural preservation.
Responding on behalf of the community, Mrs. Fadeke Oguntuase said preparations were already underway to deliver a more elaborate and globally appealing edition of the festival.
The Ita-Ajero Festival is increasingly gaining prominence as a cultural tourism asset, reinforcing Ekiti State’s position as a hub for heritage and traditional celebrations in Nigeria.
