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

Speaking with journalists during a press conference held at the Ewi’s Palace, the Global President of Ado Progressive Union, Prince Segun Famuagun, said Governor Sanwolu will serve as the chief launcher while Senator Ibikunle Amosun is the co-launcher, with Oba Ogunwusi presiding as Royal Father of the Day.

Prince Famuagun noted that the week-long celebration, will also feature the disbursement of N100,000 bursaries each to 50 indigents students of Ekiti origin.

The chairman of anniversary planning committee, explained that the five-day programme is designed to highlight the monarch’s contributions to the growth of Ado-Ekiti and the development of Ekiti State.

Activities will include homage by various groups and chiefs, a football match on Wednesday, a colloquium on Thursday themed “The Impact of Royal Fathers in Ado Community,” and the presentation of scholarships.

Famuagun noted that the colloquium will feature academics from Ekiti State University, who will discuss the history of Ado-Ekiti and the influence of Oba Adejugbe’s reign over the last 35 years.

He added that the scholarship awardees were selected through a rigorous process conducted in partnership with the Ekiti State Scholarship Board.

He further disclosed that outstanding WAEC and GCE candidates, as well as winners of the essay competitions, will also receive recognition during Thursday’s events.

According to him, Friday’s activities will begin with a Jumat service at the central mosque and proceed to a photo exhibition and drama presentation at the palace in the evening. The drama, he said, will chronicle the monarch’s life from his ascension to the throne to his development over the years.

Saturday will feature the launch of the monarch’s royal book and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Ado-Ekiti.

The celebration will climax on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the St. Emmanuel’s Cathedral, Okesha, followed by a grand reception at the palace. (The Nation)