Sons and daughters in Iyin-Ekiti in Araromi Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ekiti State, gathered in large numbers on Saturday to celebrate Iyin Day 2025, an annual cultural and traditional festival that showcases the town’s heritage, fosters unity, and promotes community development.
The event drew prominent personalities, including traditional rulers, led by Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Chairman of the State Council of Obas.
Festivities commenced earlier in the week with an interdenominational service, medical outreach, inauguration of projects, health and fitness walks, sports competitions, and essay writing.
The grand finale on Saturday featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles and the launch of the town’s N1 billion Development Fund.
In his address, Deputy Senate President Barau Jubrin, Chairman of Iyin-Ekiti Day 2025, emphasised the importance of cultural reorientation and peaceful co-existence.
The DSP also commended the Oluyin of Iyin Kingdom, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye, and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for their contributions to community and national development.
Senator Jubrin was also honoured with the title Aare Agbaakin of Iyin-Ekiti, while his wife received the title Yeye Aare Agbaakin.
Other dignitaries honored included former Governor Niyi Adebayo, who became Asiwaju of Iyin-Ekiti, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (Bobajiro of Iyin-Ekiti) and his wife (Yeye Bobajiro), and Senator Yaqubu Danmarke (Aare Atunluse of Iyin-Ekiti).
Senate Leader Bamidele, honoured as Oluomo of Iyin-Ekiti, urged residents, particularly youths, to maintain peace, noting that development thrives only in harmony.
Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye, marking his fifth year on the throne, highlighted recent achievements, including the establishment of a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in the town, improvements in electricity supply through prepaid meters, healthcare initiatives like free eye surgeries, and the facelift of the Iyin palace with new facilities enhancing both cultural pride and administrative efficiency.
Pastor Remi Obaparusi, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee for Iyin Day 2025, assured that all contributions to the development fund would be fully accounted for and pledged regular progress updates on community projects.
The Iyin Day celebration reinforced the town’s rich cultural heritage, unity among residents, and commitment to sustainable development.
