By Chukwuma Ajakah

Prominent sons and daughters of Adaland in Osun State, Nigeria gathered under the umbrella of Ada Community Development Association, ACDA on Saturday 30th November, 2024 to celebrate the annual Ada Day event.

In attendance were traditional high chiefs, the baales across different communities in Ada land together with other paramount chiefs. The occasion held at Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School was a week-long celebration.

This year’s celebration involved a a great deal of socio-cultural activities such as essay writing competition, oral communication competition, cutting of commemorative cake, and a N1 billion fundraising targeted at some community development projects.

By the bold initiatives of Ada Community Development Association (ACDA) led by its national Chairman, Chief (Barrister) Olusegun Alalade, Bobagunwa of Adaland, it’s a declaration that creativity, heritage and constructive engagement on a higher scale matter as much as economic ambitions.

At its heart, Chief Alalade reflects the ACDA commitments 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. The venue of the grand setting and high-profile guests from near and far including HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olamilekan, Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo who was the royal host added great impetus to the celebration.

At exactly 11:20am, the arrival of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo, Ogunbodun II, the Olona of Adaland was heralded by loud applause and traditional homage to the monarch while security operatives took vantage positions in strategic spots and access routes leading to the venue. Donning a fitting signature embroidered attire and his regal horsetail, Oba Oyetunde smiling broadly exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries and other guests seated with him at the front row. High ranking Ada elders and traditional chiefs present at the event were Chief (Dr) Kola Oyasola Oyadeji, the Asiwaju of Adaland, former Chairman, Ada Elders Council, Prince Micheal Ayantunde Ponnle and his wife, Princess Titi Ponnle, Chief (Barrister) Olusegun Alalade and Olori Beatrice Olayide Alalade, Otunba Jide Aworanti and other guests that included public office holders from the state. Ada’s constellation of cultural dancers, teenage drummers, acrobats and local artistic expressions by cultural groups at the venue was a credit to the ACDA’s collaboration with different various stakeholders toward repositioning Ada to cultural prominence within Osun and beyond.

However, the invasion of the arena by Igede masquerades and dancers of Benne took the VIPs and visitors unawares as they made straight for where Oba Oyetunde Ojo and his guests were seated before normalcy was restored.

The high point of the annual celebration was the fundraising was successful with the support of illustrious sons and daughters of Ada, including high chiefs from different compounds. Huge financial donations were made by the Osolo, Eesa and Ojomu and the traditional chiefs led by the Chairman/Proprietor of Koramba Football Club, Barrister Olusegun Alalade. In a brief remark, the Olona of Ada, expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, which included the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and Hon. Jimoh for their contributions to the success of the event?

The event also featured the official commissioning of Ada Cultural heritage Centre by Oba (Dr.) Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo. A landmark creation which Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle said would place the community on the global map through the promotion of arts, cultural heritage and tourist attractions. The Prof. David O. Ogungbile led team has started exploring intellectual materials, historical documentation and research works and publications on Ada history, legacy and the documentation of indigenous religion and unveiling of the Ada Cultural Heritage Centre ran by a board headed by Prof. David Olugbile had a mandate to raise the bars, regarding the chronicling of Ada’s historical and cultural narratives.

This year’s Ada Day is a celebration of Ada culture and rich heritage that went beyond projecting indigenous artistic works as well as the vibrant culture and tradition of the people. The Centre is established to redefine contemporary art by exploring the rich repertoire of African cultural practices. Moreover, the museum is being established to connect the story of Ada to the international community and in so doing, attract foreign investments to the ancient town. The organizers to achieve this by exposing local artists to world stage via cultural exchange programmes and the showcasing of African heritage as expressed through Ada culture.

The guests were fed with delicious meals at the Oba’s palace while some of the VIPs and members of the planning committee were treated to a banquet at Chief (Barrister) Alalade’s Bobagunwa villa.

The auspicious occasion featured activities, including a thanksgiving service held at the God of Moses Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S).