The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II on Saturday commissioned the newly constructed ultra-modern palace of the Oba Abdulmumini Adebayo Orisagbemi in Ayede Ekiti, describing the edifice as a symbol of cultural pride, unity and progressive leadership in Yoruba land.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the epoch-making event, held in Ayede Ekiti, attracted an array of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders and indigenes from within and outside Ekiti State.
The ceremony also featured the birthday celebration of the Attah of Ayede, making it a double celebration for the ancient town.
In his address, the Ooni, who also serves as Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), commended the Attah and the entire Ayede community for their foresight and commitment to strengthening traditional institutions.
He noted that the modernization of palaces across Yoruba land does not diminish tradition but reinforces its relevance in contemporary society.
According to him, traditional rulers remain custodians of culture, peace and communal development, stressing that a palace represents authority, heritage and the spiritual foundation of the people.
He urged monarchs across the region to continue to promote unity and development while preserving the sanctity of Yoruba customs and values.
While cutting the ribbon to officially inaugurate the project, the Ooni sued for peace across Yoruba land, calling on traditional rulers and political leaders to sustain harmonious relationships for the progress of the people.
He offered special prayers for Ayede Ekiti, Ekiti State and the entire Yoruba race, praying for peace, prosperity, economic growth and sustained unity.
The revered monarch, who was flanked by prominent Ekiti monarchs led by the Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, appreciated the massive turnout of Ayede indigenes and Ekiti residents, describing their show of love as heartwarming and reassuring.
Addressing the gathering, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, declared that the forthcoming June 20, 2026 governorship election must be conducted peacefully, warning that “the election doesn’t worth shedding the blood of any innocent Ekiti soul.”
The governor emphasized that his administration regards traditional rulers as strategic partners in Ekiti’s development agenda, saluting them for their peace-building initiatives that have made the state one of the most investment-friendly in the country.
He appealed to monarchs to step up strategies to prevent political violence and urged citizens to exercise their franchise rationally and peacefully.
In his remarks, the Attah of Ayede expressed profound gratitude to the state government for completing the palace project.
He revealed that he had initiated the project five years ago but lost hope due to financial constraints before Governor Oyebanji intervened, redesigned and completed the structure in record time.
He described the palace as the cultural and spiritual heartbeat of the community.
Dignitaries at the event included Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, Hon. Kemi Olaleye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, several traditional rulers from Ekiti and Ondo States, community leaders, religious figures, youth and women groups.