THE historic Alajue Ileya Fiesta 2026 brought together sons and daughters of Alajue Kingdom Ede from across Nigeria and the diaspora in a colourful celebration marked by cultural pride, reflection, and calls for accelerated development.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Olu of Alajue Kingdom Ede, Oba (Dr) Sulaimon Adebayo Olamilekan (Kusenla 1), described the gathering as a unifying platform for indigenes of the kingdom to reconnect with their roots and strengthen communal bonds.
“We are here to celebrate Ileya with our family members, both at home and abroad. This gathering is designed for the sons and daughters of Alajue Kingdom worldwide to know there is a place called Alajue Ede, the ancestral home that gave birth to them, so they can know one another, celebrate together, and reconnect with those in the diaspora,” the monarch said.
He added that the initiative was also aimed at encouraging indigenes to invest in their homeland and contribute to its growth.
“We are organizing this event so our people can return home, relate with one another, and establish themselves in Alajue Kingdom Ede. There are many opportunities here. We are into farming and palm oil production that can serve the whole of Osun State if properly supported,” he stated.
The monarch also used the occasion to appeal to government authorities for improved infrastructure and social amenities in the community.
“We are appealing to the government not to forget Alajue. While efforts are being made, we still need better schools, hospitals, and improved road networks to enhance development in our land,” he said.
Encouraging indigenes in the diaspora, Oba Olamilekan urged them to return home and contribute to the development of the kingdom.
“My message to our people is simple: come back to your father’s land. There are many opportunities here in Ede land. We are all here together to raise the town and build a better future,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Honourable Barrister Taofeek Olayiwola (NAGODE), representing Ede South State Constituency, described the fiesta as a landmark cultural and developmental initiative.
“This is a very historic event, one of its kind. I commend our monarch for this initiative, and we plan to make it even more elaborate next year,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of proper leadership selection in sustaining community progress.
“When installing or appointing traditional rulers, we must be very careful and ensure the right person is chosen.
In this case, we have a round peg in a round hole. It is changing the perception of this community. This is a town on the rise,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the lawmaker expressed optimism about the future development of the area, hinting at major infrastructural projects.
“In the next ten years, people will be surprised at what this place will become. Very soon, we may even have an airport around here. I also appeal to residents to support the king and the good work he is doing to elevate this community,” he added.
The Alajue Ileya Fiesta 2026 ended on a hopeful note, with renewed calls for unity, investment, and sustainable development across the kingdom, as eminent personalities including kings, government officials, technocrats, groups, Fuji icon Abass Akande Obesere, cultural troops and Alajue indigenes among others.