Ulefunta: A Celebration of Culture, Opportunity for Political Parade
By Olusegun HOSEA.Akure,
26th September, 2026
Culture, the pillar of traditional religion across Africa and beyond, is being celebrated by the people for the purpose of retaining their cultural heritage and identity for the sake of prosperity. This kind of celebration does not leave the Yoruba people behind, particularly the indigenes of Akure. Hosted under the leadership of the traditional ruler of the Akure Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, CFR, the Deji of Akure and paramount ruler of Akure land, this year’s Ulefunta was celebrated in grand style. The programme was held at the popular Democracy Park in Akure and featured the arrival of political dignitaries and various groups in different attires, which depicted the beauty of their diverse culture and added more glamour to the event, making it remarkable for the people to behold.
Cultural Importance
The significance of the celebration was to ensure the retention of the Akure culture from going into extinction, as the programme afforded the indigenes of Akure, sons and daughters both home and abroad, the opportunity to reunite and brainstorm together for the progress of the kingdom. The rendition of the Akure anthem elevated the hope of the people. The last stanza says, “Akure kò lè bàjé o” (that the Akure land will not be spoiled). The rendition, which called for more unity among the various Akure communities, tended to recognize the power of unity among the members of the kingdom for the progress of the entire Akure land. As unity brings progress and development and other economic advancements for the purpose of economic sustainability.
The Royal Gathering
The event also brought together all the various traditional rulers in different Akure communities to fraternize with the Deji of Akure. Their presence gave credence to the celebration, which showed that the paramount ruler of Akure land has some strong royal supporters he could rely upon when called for the celebration of this type of traditional heritage in the entire Akure land. From Akure South-Akure North to Ifedore Local Government, all the traditional rulers in most of these local areas and councils were present or sent their representatives to the event to demonstrate their loyalty to the throne of His Imperial Majesty, the Deji of Akure land.
The Ulefunta At A Glance
Ulefunta, a traditional religious celebration of the good people of Akure land, is an event that is celebrated once in a calendar year and usually witnesses the seclusion of the paramount ruler of Akure land, the Deji of Akure, who would stay for seven days in seclusion, consulting the supernatural tradition for the purpose of maintaining the existing peace and harmony in the land. It is an opportunity for him to seek blessings from the spiritual beings in order to communicate the same to his subjects. During this period, there would be no beating of drums around the Oba’s palace, while shops and other markets within this vicinity are expected to remain closed for a while, pending the time the Oba would come out from the seclusion. Just like Ojude Oba in Ogun State, which features the demonstration of all traditional cultures, Ulefunta also has this type of beautiful human attire being displayed by various groups to add colour to the event.
The Various Groups
The event embraced various groups and associations that came to show their support and loyalty to the king. Starting from the Akure Youth Association, the Women Association, the group of Chiefs, the ladies’ wings, and other recognized age groups were present to add their support to the development of the programme. The programme served as an opportunity for the political gladiators who were vying for political positions to showcase their presence to their potential supporters ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections. This type of show affords politicians the opportunity to do free political advertisement for people to know that they are contesting for one political position or another in the state.
What Event Entails
The Ulefunta 2026 featured the award of excellence for deserving personalities in the state, such as Chief Bole Owoniyi, Minister of Youth, Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, represented by Ayodele Olawande, and Prince Hon. Toyin Aladetoyinbo, who received awards of excellence, while a host of others were recognized for their service to humanity.
The event also showed support for the AkureHeritage special intervention scheme, which included the introduction of a scholarship scheme to assist indigene students across Akure South, Akure North, and Ifedore Local Government. All these activities were meant to promote the dignity of the cultural heritage of Akure land and the Yoruba in general. As this kind of event serves as a celebration of culture, an opportunity for political parade, and a platform for different age groups to demonstrate their beauty and skills for the progress of the Ulefunta 2026 celebration.
