The ancient city of Ondo resonated with colour, rhythm, and shared purpose on Saturday, 27 December 2025, as sons and daughters of the kingdom from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered for the thirty seventh Ekimogun Day Celebration, a festival deeply rooted in identity, unity, and collective progress.
The high point of the celebration was the address delivered by the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, Ph.D, PFD, CON, the Och’Idoma of Idoma Kingdom, Chairman of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, and Vice Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers. In a speech marked by depth and statesmanship, the monarch elevated the occasion beyond festivity, presenting culture as a compass for national unity, stability, and sustainable development.
Speaking with royal authority, the Och’Idoma declared, “Ekimogun is identity. It speaks of strength, dignity, courage, resilience, and the communal spirit that has sustained the Ondo people across generations. I declare without any doubt that Ekimogun is identity.”
He observed that Ekimogun Day has grown into a platform of national and international relevance, attracting professionals, traditional rulers, policymakers, investors, and cultural partners. According to him, the festival now serves as a bridge linking memory with aspiration, tradition with opportunity, and heritage with development.
“The lesson before us is clear,” he said. “Culture gives direction to development. A people grounded in their roots remain steady in moments of change and confident in shaping their future.”
Amid resounding chants of Kabiyesi and Ase, the Och’Idoma commended Ondo Kingdom for sustaining Ekimogun Day as a vehicle for cultural renewal, youth engagement, and socio economic advancement.
“When identity is organised, the future gains structure. When culture is respected, progress gains clarity,” he added.
Referencing inter ethnic harmony, the royal father pointed to the peaceful integration of Idoma sons and daughters living and working in Ondo Kingdom as evidence that wisdom guided culture transforms diversity into strength and makes harmony natural.
He recalled the Idoma Cultural Day marked on 23 December 2025, during which he emphasised the importance of cross cultural dialogue, noting that cultures grow stronger through respectful encounter.
“Through healthy exchange, cultures refine their voice, deepen confidence, and earn honour among other peoples,” he stated.
The monarch paid glowing tribute to the leadership of His Imperial Majesty Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, praising a reign characterised by stability, unity, peaceful coexistence, and harmony between tradition and modern governance.
“This outcome flows from leadership anchored in wisdom, restraint, and inclusion,” the Och’Idoma observed, noting the deepening socio economic momentum within Ondo Kingdom through education, enterprise, partnerships, and investment, all pursued without weakening cultural identity.
He also applauded the sustained vitality of Ondo cultural life through festivals such as Ekimogun Day, stating that tradition within the kingdom continues to command dignity, relevance, and respect.
In a gesture of intellectual and institutional appreciation, the Och’Idoma recognised the contributions of two sons of Idoma Kingdom serving at Wesley University, Ondo, Dr Pastor Paul Enenche, Chancellor, and Professor Samuel Obeka Sunday, Vice Chancellor, thanking Ondo Kingdom for providing an enabling environment for their service.
Special commendation was extended to Chief Sunday Akinseye, the Sunla of Ondo Kingdom and Chief Launcher of the Ekimogun brochure, whom the monarch described as a man of integrity and diligence, drawing from their shared years of public service at the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
In a symbolic moment of inter kingdom solidarity, the Och’Idoma formally invited the Osemawe and the people of Ondo Kingdom to participate in the Idoma Day and Centenary Celebration scheduled for 23 December 2026.
“Your Imperial Majesty has already strengthened the bond between our kingdoms by fostering unity and mutual respect. I respectfully seek Your Imperial Majesty’s gracious consent to further deepen this bond by gracing our centenary celebration,” he said.
Concluding with a royal benediction drawn from Psalm 33 verse 12, the Och’Idoma prayed for continued strength for the Ondo throne, enduring peace and honour for the kingdom, prosperity for its people, and longevity for Nigeria’s traditional institutions and the nation at large.
Beyond the splendour and ceremony, the 2025 Ekimogun Day Celebration reaffirmed the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between Idoma and Ondo Kingdoms, projecting culture beyond festivity, but as a guiding compass for national unity and enduring cohesion.
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