Saturday, November 30, 2024, high chiefs (Baales), in Ada, Osun State, alongside sons and daughters gathered for a week celebration of Ada Day. This year’s celebration featured essay writing competition, oral communication competition and N1billion fundraising, to drive development and ambitious projects.
National chairman, Ada Community Development Association (ACDA), Chief Olusegun Alalade, Bobagunwa of Adaland, said: “It’s a declaration that creativity, heritage and constructive engagement on a higher scale matter as much as economic ambitions.
“We are committed to positioning Ada as a national cultural hub, which offers a vision of culture and legacy aligned with contemporary relevance as a bridge rather than a barrier.”
Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olamilekan, was the royal host.
The arrival of Oba Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo, Olona of Adaland, was heralded by loud applause and traditional homage. Also in attendance were Chief Kola Oyasola Oyadeji, Asiwaju of Adaland, Prince Micheal Ayantunde Ponnle, his wife, Princess Titi, Chief Olusegun Alalade, Olori Olayide Alalade, Otunba Jide Aworanti and others including political office holders.
However, the invasion of the arena by Igede masquerades and dancers (of Benne origin) took the VIPs and visitors by surprise as they made straight for the front row where Oba Oyetunde Ojo and his guests were seated, causing a temporary stampede which was brought under control by the security operatives.
The high point was the fund raising, which received an appreciable impact and overwhelming support by the indigenes and notable high chiefs drawn from different compounds. At the end of the day, Osolo, Eesa and Ojomu had hectic time outsmarting each other with a range of N1.35m to N1.8 million recorded.
Alalade, chief host, led the pack by donating N2 million. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, donated N1 million and Jimoh who represented him, chipped in N500,000. Olona of Ada thanked donors and guests for their gestures and contributions.
The celebration also witnessed the commissioning of Ada Cultural Heritage Centre, by Oba Ojo, a landmark creation by Prince Ponnle. The centre is headed by Prof. David Ogungbile. He was given the mandate to elevate Ada’s cultural narrative by establishing a world-class museum and well-stocked gallery of arts and artifacts.
Thus, the celebration of Ada culture and heritage every November goes beyond fostering artistic expression and showcase of the vibrant culture and tradition of Ada. The centre promises to redefine contemporary art by expanding non-western narratives and explore our African repertoire of historical facts/antecedents.
Also, the museum seeks to connect humanity to the vast story of Ada genealogy and the universe which can boost investment in nurturing local artists, cultural exchange programmes and preserving of Ada African heritage.
Guests and visitors were later treated to ancestral culinary feast (bean cake) among other array of delicious dishes provided at the Oba’s palace. Other personalities, traditional chiefs and planning committee members were also treated to a private banquet by Alalade at his Bobagunwa Villa.
The celebration was crowned with a thanksgiving service at the God of Moses Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S), Ada.