In the heart of Osun State, Nigeria, the Ada community came together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The Ada Day celebration, held on November 30, 2024, was a week-long extravaganza of socio-cultural activities, showcasing the community’s vibrant traditions and artistic expressions.
A Grand Celebration
The event kicked off at 9:00 am at the Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School, with the arrival of traditional high chiefs, prominent sons and daughters, and other dignitaries.
Ada’s constellation of cultural dancers, teenage drummers, acrobats and local artistic expression by cultural groups at the venue was a credit to the ACDA’s collaboration and inclusive journey toward cultural prominence in Osun state and beyond.
However, the invasion of the arena by Igede masquerades and dancers (of Benue origin) took the VIPs and visitors by surprise as they made straight for the front row where Oba Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo, Ogunbodun 1 Olona of Ada and his guests were seated, where the masquerade performed to the admiration of the audiences at the venue.
Fundraising and Philanthropy
One of the highlights of the celebration was the epic fundraising event, which received overwhelming support from the community and notable chiefs.
Commissioning of the Ada Cultural Heritage Centre
The celebration also witnessed the official commissioning of the Ada Cultural Heritage Centre, a landmark creation by Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle. The centre is headed by Professor David O. Ogungbile and aims to promote arts, cultural heritage, and tourist attractions in Osun State.
A Celebration of Ada’s Rich Heritage
The Ada Day celebration was a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage. With its vibrant traditions, artistic expressions, and philanthropic spirit, Ada is truly a cultural hub worth celebrating.
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Roll call
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.
The arrival of the host and cultural custodian of Ada, 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
Attendees at the socio-cultural fiesta include Ada elders and traditional chiefs led by Chief (Dr) Kola Oyasola Oyadeji, the Asiwaju of Adaland; Prince Micheal Ayantunde Ponnle, immediate past chairman, Ada Elders Council, his wife Princess Titi Ponnle; Chief Olusegun Alalade and Olori Beatrice Olayide Alalade; Otunba Jide Aworanti and other guests that included political office holders from Osun State.
