Ada community reiterates commitment to artistic reimagining, promotion of cultural heritage

As early as 9:00am, penultimate Saturday, November 30, 2024, Adaland traditional high chiefs (Baale) drawn from the quarters across Ada community alongside other prominent chiefs, illustrious sons and daughters had started arriving Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School, venue of the Adaland week- celebration in Ada, Osun State.

Unlike the previous ones, this year’s celebration was extended to a week-long socio-cultural activities that also featured essay writing competition, oral communication competition, N1 billion fundraising and cutting of commemorative cake ostensibly to boost current drive towards development and ambitious projects that transcend conventional notions of cultural development.

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. Among the first set of people to arrive were high ranking Ada elders and traditional chiefs led by Chief (Dr) Kola Oyasola Oyadeji, the Asiwaju of Adaland, Prince (Engr.) Micheal Ayantunde Ponnle, immediate past chairman, Ada elders council, his wife Princess Titi Ponnle, Chief (Barrister) Olusegun Alalade and Olori Beatrice Olayide Alalade, Otunba Jide Aworanti and other guests that included political office holders from Osun State. 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 inclusivity in its journey toward cultural prominence in Osun state and beyond.

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 of the yearly celebration was the epic fund raising, which received an appreciable impact and overwhelming support by the indigene and notable high Chiefs drawn from different compounds. The donation spree was almost turned into an American styled bazaar/auction gala but at the end of the day, Osolo, Eesa and Ojomu traditional chiefs had hectic time outsmarting each other with a range of N1.35m to N1.8 million recorded while Chief (Barrister) Olusegun Alalade, Chief Host and chairman/Proprietor Koramba Football Club, Ada led the pack by donating a sum of N2 million. The minister of Marine and Blue Economy,
HE Adegboyega Oyetola also donated a sum of N1 million, while Hon. Jimoh who represented him at the occasion also chipped in N500,000. In a brief remark, the Olona of Ada, thanked the donors and the distinguished guests for their laudable gesture and contributions toward making the event a huge success.

The celebration also witnessed the official commissioning of Ada Cultural heritage Centre, by Oba (Dr.) Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo a landmark creation by Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and placing the community the global map in the promoting arts, cultural heritage and tourist attractions in Osun state. The Centre is headed by Prof. David O. Ogungbile who has hit the ground seeking intellectual materials, historical documentation and research works and publications on Ada history, legacy and legends as well as documentation on indigenous religion

The newly commissioned Ada Cultural Heritage Centre whose board headed by Prof. David Olugbile 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.

The guests and visitors were later treated to ancestral culinary feast (Bean cake) among other array of delicious dishes provided at the Oba’s palace while a section of the VIPs, traditional chiefs and planning committee members were also treated to an exclusive private banquet by Chief (Barrister) Alalade at his Bobagunwa villa.

The celebration was crowned with a thanksgiving service held at the God of Moses Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S), Ada, which was attended by the monarch, traditional chiefs, prominent sons and daughters.