History of Udiroko Festival in Ado Ekiti

ADO-EKITI is an ancient city, founded

in the year 1310. A.D by His Royal Majesty the Ewi Awamaro the son of Ewi Apa (Biritikolu) after the defeat of King Elesun of Ilesun or Emure Kingdom and the destruction of his Empire. Ewi was not only a King , he was also supreme military Chief -General of his army and when his kingdom became extremely larger than the Original settlement in Osunle Odo (Odo-Ado), and moved to Oke-Ibon where he settled and founded Oke-Ewi the Ado mother town, the administrative and cultural demands of his office as a paramount ruler did not allow him to go on military expedition any longer. Therefore he delegated his military position to his military second in command they were IIJC3Rlords who later became the traditional war Chiefs headed by Chief Barafon. It was the duty of each war chiefs to report his military achievements to the EWI. The arrival of each successful war-chief was embraced with joy and various traditional songs. The people of Ado-Ekiti would assemble under IROKO TREE in front of Ewi’s Palace to welcome the military chiefs and rejoice with Ewi. At a point in time. EWI decided to be meeting all his war chiefs once in a year on a specific day for such post-war reports. Ewi picked ” OLORUN B’ORUN DAY the day that was initially specified for all Indigenes of Ado-Ewi to make offering of Kolanut and Walnuts in propitiation to their heads (ORI) known as OLORUN-BORUN for that purpose. On the day of Olorunborun, prayers were said in every home in the town, and in the evening same day, the entire Ado community would assemble in Ewi’s Palace to receive Ewi’s Blessing as it was believed that Only Ewi have the power to make prayers accepted quickly by the Heavens. The assemblage of people under Iroko tree in Ewi’s palace on Olorunborun Day for the ceremony later became ” ODUN UDIROKO”. UDIROKO festival the Ado- Ekiti’s most important feast was desighted to feature both the NATION DAY and the NEW YEAR DAY in the defunct Ado Kingdom. The Ewi is the principal celebrant while the War Chiefs (Elegbes) and others participate. Udiroko festival is usually an occasion of Happiness and merriment in Ado kingdom. The people generally rejoice that another milestone is covered or reached in their life’s journey: they have safely scaled the past year over to the new year. No deity is worshiped in Udiroko and no ceremony is performed. It is a RITUAL FREE FESTIVAL . Udiroko festival attracts a great number of people and spectators from far and near, even in the past to see or know the EWI who is in all things supreme and divine and is rarely seen in public. He entirely lives in ceremonial seclusion in his palace subject to many rituals and would appear to the people of his kingdom on the Udiroko day. ” TRADITIONS DIE HARD UDIROKO is still a crowd-pulling festivity in Africa. EWI’ BE MI UA UDIROKO ELEITAJI ‘BE MI ESUN-SU OKO EWI ME YOO JUDI AJARO-RAN OWA TAJI ME YOO M’OWO JONA ORI ‘KOSE K’OLOJA MEJI MAJISE AJAKA OMO ARERE-OTU TRANSLATION: EWI requests my participation in his Udiroko festival Eleitaji requests my participation in his Esun-su Oko festival Ewi, I cannot participate in Esunsu-Oko festival Two Ruler’s requests should not be rejected out-right I will comply with that of AJAKA omo- Arere-Otu. Surf ice it here to say that the above poem brings into mind the historical importance of the Ewi and his Udiroko festival. To usher in the festival. The celebration begins early in the morning with booming of guns in all parts of the city and which adds splendor and grandeur to the festival. The WAR Chiefs (Elegbes) entertains the people in their respective communities with food, drinks and Walnut and Kolanuts which are generally served to people. The war Chiefs (Elegbes) with their hunters in their domain converge with dance at the war Chiefs leader, Barafon’s lodge (Akodi) to have their prayers for Ado-Ekiti and Barafon will entertain them after they dance from there to the EWI’S Palace the Venue of the Celebration drumming and singing WAR SONGS like: OMO AROGUN S’ULE O (2ce) UROO DE.. OMO AROGUN SOYIN SEE OMO AROGUN SULE (2ce) UROO DE OMO AROGUN SOYIN SEE Chief Barafon the head of the wars Chiefs comes last dancing to bata drum with the following WAR SONGS. Solo: BAFON PARA KOGUN OP’ IKOGOSI KOGBON OP’ IKOGOSI TAN, O K’ AGOGO OJE. ‘BE WALE BAFON N’GOKE ALO IRUNMUNDUN NKUN YUNMUN-YUNMU Chorus: BABA O MOJA, O MOJA K’ARIJE NIBE BABA O MOJA Solo: AMUGBEYIN OBUNTUN RE NRAUN SORO O RAO BAFON URO IKUN B’IJE AIYE, KUN TUN B’IJE ARORUN Chr: BABA O MOJA KARIJE NIBE BABA O MOJA Solo : OGUN LE BARAFON O SOMO EWI NU AN RORI AKIN RA L’OJA OMO EWI ILORI ATE Chr: BABA O MOJA, O MOJA KAA RIJE NIBE BABA MOJA The principal celebrant is High Royal Majesty EWI with his following war Chiefs (Elegbes)- Participating:- ELEGBE WAR CHIEFS OF OKE-EWI; • Barafon • Eleyinmi •Onigemo •Onikasomi •Olujoja •Akogun •Onigbepa •Olugbalesun – Oke- Ewi •Elesha •Osukoti •Ojomu •Oniloda • Osunmo – irona •Saruku – irona •Obanla – irona • Osindinle – Oke-Age • Egbedi – Orere Owu •Imi – irona • Orunnaja – Okesa •Elejofi – Okesa ELEGBE WAR CHIEFS OF ODO-ADO; Egbedi – Odo-Ado Elewere Oisape Oluloda Odo-Ado Saruku Oisangan Elejoka Elejua Elegbira Omoniare Saruku- Irode Saruku- Isao ELEGBE WAR CHIEFS OF OGBON META (OKE ILA); * Saruku -Ila * Olonje * Emila * Olubedo – ila * Oisape Udiroko festival of Ewi- Ado is a big parade of fashions in which new and modern clothes, ornaments and jewels are brought into display. His Royal Majesty the Ewi rises three times to change his royal regalia robes and crowns while a MINIATURE EXHIBITION of ancient and modern crowns is mounted for the people to see. Traditional greetings and renewal of Oaths of Allegiance:- Oke- Ewi Chiefs: Olori marun (Oke-Ewi king makers) led by Chief Odogun salute His Royal Majesty the Ewi in the traditional way (shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Chief Ologunsinkin leads the Elumo Chiefs (Elesi and Ijegbe) of Oke-Ewi to salute the Ewi also in the Traditional way ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) ODO-ADO Chiefs : iare Merin led by Chief Odofin will also salute the Ewi-Ado ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Ogbon Meta (Oke-Ila) Olori Ogbon meta chiefs led by Alarierin salute His Royal Highness the Ewi in their own traditional way. ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Chief Balemo leads the ELU Chiefs to greet Ewi in their traditional way.( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) The Ewi Consorts- Eyesorun leads the Oloris to pay their homage to the Ewi With the ancient drums which is only seen during the Udiroko festival The Elegbe (War Chiefs) dance in turns before His Royal Majesty the Ewi to renew their OATHS of allegiance and loyalty to him. ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Chief Barafon the head of War chiefs dance last in different actions like chasing people with his war sword and war staff and renew his Oath of allegiance and loyalty to His Majesty. (shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Thereafter all Titular and Untitled Princes, distinguished sons and daughters in general salute the Kabiyesi in the traditional way shouting Kabiyesi Ooo” Elemupe Ekiti and other intermittent praises on the EWI. The EWI would, in his speech on the throne, give general report of his Kingdom for the out-going year and resolution and advice for the New Year that is pregnated with certainties and uncertainties and bless every Ado-Ekiti indigenes (INU ODI) neighboring town (EYIN ODI) and Ekiti in general. Udiroko festival is usually celebrated between the middle August and first week of September of every year. Udiroko the biggest among Other festivals in Ekiti is a traditional culture depicting the socio-religious aspect of the people’s way of life. Written by: PRINCE TOYIN AKINGBADE (OGUNLADE) Atewogboye Ruling House, of EWI

#UdirokoDay Complete Version of Ado - Ekiti And Udiroko - An Account of HRM Oba Daniel Aniraresile-kesiloni Aladesanmi II

By: Adebola Akingbade Aladesanmi-Ajimudaoro Aroloye

When the several children of Oduduwa were leaving Ile-Ife to found their own territories, the Oba Ado, or Elewi as he was called then was not left out of the Princely adventure. Ancient Yoruba history tells us that the Oba of Benin and Oba Ado (Ewi) were brothers born of the same mother to Oduduwa. The two of them were reported to have left Ile-Ife for a place known today as Benin City and its vicinity to settle. But the Ewi and his people pitched their camp at a place called ORUNMODI meaning 'God-fortified round wall.' The place was said to have been a fairly level ground surrounded by low hills and was situated near the present Benin City. Once settled, the smooth cordiality that existed between the two brothers began to turn sour. Frequent clashes and bloody encounters featured prominently between the people of both brothers. When the situation became intolerable, the Ewi summoned courage and led his people out of Orunmodi and Journeyed with them towards the northwest direction in search of a fertile land where to settle. Legend has it that Ewi and his people wandered for a long time before the came to settle at the present site if Ado Ekiti - a distance of 140miles from the ancient city of Benin City or Orunmodi. The first Oba Ado or Ewi is called Awamaro or Elewi. He conquered many villages, towns and hamlets during his wandering. Awamaro and his people first stopped at Oke-Papa Utamodi. Later he settled for some time respectively at Idoani and Agbado - the later being a town Ise and Ikole Ekiti. Because they were fed up with the constant movement of the Elewi, the elders of his people decided not to follow him any longer if the Oba's urge to resume his wandering gripped him again. And true to their anticipation, Awamaro called his people and informed them that they had to leave Agbado. The elders made their decision known to him and there was nothing he could do to make them rescind it. While he moved on the elders remains behind. That settlement was later nike-named 'Ile Agba Ado' (the homestead of Ado Elders). The elders too retained their identity as 'Agba Ado' (Elders of Ado). The town derived its name of Agbado from these two reference names, and it is still in existence at about 25miles from present Ado - Ekiti. Advancing westwards, the Elewi arrived at a hilly place. He moved to the top of one of the hills and settled his people there once more. He named the hill as Oke-Ewi (Ewi's hill) The migrants met an aboriginal race there called the Ilesun people. Their leader played the dual role of a priest and king. They could not resist the military onslaught of the invaders and so had to surrender to a superior authority of the Elewi. However, one thing is significant. The Ilesun people retained their cultural identity till today and they have to play an important traditional marketing role during the installation of an Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. On settling down finally, Awamaro named the people who accompanied him as Ado-the encampers. From this Ado-Ekiti got its name. Therefore literally, 'Ado' means 'WE SETTLE.' The word 'Ekiti' which makes it become compound refers to its hilly area earlier mentioned. In early era the town was called Ado-Ewi-Ekiti. The word Ewi is a title used to distinguish the Ado-Ekiti ruler from others bearing Ado e.g. Ado Ibenin or Ado-Odo etc.. Elewi met two other hamlets near Oke-Ewi. They were and still known as Odo Ado under the rulership of the Odofin, and the Oke-Ila under the leadership of the Alarierin. The Elewi later subdued them and brought them under his control. Hence there are three principal quarters or sectors in Ado - Ekiti. (1) Odo - Ado known as Ado (2) Ejigbo, Okesha, Igbehin, and Irona called Oke-Ewi. (3) Oke-Ila, Ora and Oke Efon called Ogbon-Meta. Distinct among them all is the Aafin which includes the Oba's palace, the Ewi's compound, the Oba's market and the Native Court Hall area. At first, the Ewi was the absolute ruler or sole authority of his people. Although he sought advice from his Chiefs and Village Baales, he was such a demi god that whatever the Ewi said on earth was accepted without challenge by the heavenly bodies and angels of God, as the people believed. He allowed his senior chiefs some autonomous powers to rule his villages but such chiefs held their offices at the pleasure and mercy of the Ewi. The town's police, Efa, are under the command of the Barafon and the other war chiefs. Chief Odogun is the war Minister. The hunters' organization serves as the Ministry of Information as they have access to the night and day to know what's going on in and around the town and villages. The town's people hold their meetings in the open market place, and pass on their message through a leader normally recognized as the Efa while the Efa pass it on to the Elegbe. The Elegbe have a high chief in each of the sectors of Ado: (a) Oke Ewi (b) Odo Ado and (3) Ogbon Meta. The high chiefs carry the message of the Elegbe war chiefs to the Executive meeting of the chiefs and or to the Ewi. The decision of the Ewi is handed down in the reverse order. The villages are assigned various assignments and duties in the running of the 'state'. During festivals, some have to provide all the kolanuts, others the lighting materials, others still, the palm wine, the yams, the meat etc. These they do annually, though each had to report to a certain high chief in Ado-Ekiti who would pilot him and his men to Aafin (Palace). The Ejigbo who is the traditional' 'Chamberlain' saw to the settlement of any matter and all quarrels or disputes in the Aafin, etc between any Eyelori, Omode Owa and or both. There are five groups of high Chiefs in Ado Ekiti. They are:- From OKE EWI: (1) THE ELERI MARUN GROUP OF CHIEFS (5) (II) THE AARE GROUP OF CHIEFS (4) From OGBON META (I) OLORI OGBON META (3) (II) THE ELESI IJEGBE GROUP OF CHIEFS (15) From ADO (ODO ADO) (I) THE ELUMO GROUP OF CHIEFS (16) The five groups are independent of themselves except that they have an order of precedence among themselves. The most peculiar of the setup is the Eleri Marun (Five Heads) among whom no one is higher in rank than the other. But in the Elemo group, the sixteen are arranged in a special order of precedence. Apart from these five groups there are the Elegbe Chiefs with Barafon as the most senior. They are found in the three sectors of the town. There are the Ijoye (Ewi's Chiefs) who are regarded as juniors or minor chiefs under the high chiefs. Some of them have quarters over which they are chiefs. There used to be (and is still) an inner circle of chiefs about seven in number which might be called the top highest body that sits with the Ewi in taking final decisions on vital matters. The junior/minor chiefs supervise all duties given to the war chiefs, Efa and the Origbo's and ordinary citizens who are normally organized on age group basis for specific manual work like making or building of roads or bridges etc. Festivals: These include - Orisa Ojido and Alaponmi, Oitado and Alafonyos. The Aworo (Oitado Priest) is the only authorized person to "FLOG" the Ewi and some high chiefs during festivals. Other notable festivals are: UDIROKO, ADE, AEREGBE, ORUDE, EPA, ODEDE, OGUN. During the Oitado festival and two calendar months that follow there is the traditional annual wrestling - ijakadi. This is a very important annual festival. It takes place during the day, on the first three days of OITADO an in the moonlight for the remaining period. Wrestlers move in groups from one quarter of the town to the other beating drums and singing challenging traditional songs before the wrestling. After the wrestling, the rest of the night is spent singing and dancing round the town sometimes till daybreak. The songs after the wrestling are directed against evil doers or to warn some mischieve makers however highly placed. No one really knows who begins the song because such a person (who can be anyone) normal stoops very low in the center of the large crowd in the moonlight to raise the song. The others who don't care to know who raised the song just join him and all the crowd take it over. "IJAKADI ALE" and the song exert a lot of moral restraint on the people in the town because everyone is conscious of the fact that his/her action is watched and would be mentioned during the traditional wrestling period. Udiroko: The Udiroko festival is the only festival apart from Ogun or Oitado according to Ado-Ekiti tradition that brings all Ado-Ekiti citizens both at home and in the diaspora together. It was established around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi of present day Ado-Ekiti and marks the first day of the year for the town’s inhabitants. It is a day people set aside to give thanks for their creator. The name udiroko is derived from the venue of the festival, which is beneath the big Uroko (Iroko) tree at the Ewi’s palace. Udiroko like the Israelite's Pentecostal day is the traditional ADO Day or first day of ADO year. It has nothing to do with idols. On the Udiroko day, Thousands of Ado people at home and abroad come home: (1) to rejoice for knowing the end of another year; (2) to see or know the Ewi; (3) to hear the report of the past year and the resolution or advice for the new one. It is a very big day of merry-making for all ADO. They put on their best and eat and drink plenty. In the evening, all of them assemble in the AAFIN where the Oba's throne is set in the open - IGBAMOTE, the OMODE-OWAS (Ewi's servants) carrying all types of beaded crowns around the throne. Men and women are seated or are standing in the open court. They are later joined by the war chiefs - Elegbe in their traditional war dresses followed by their drummers and trumpeters. These groups are followed into the 'IGBAMOTE' by the OLORI - the Oba's wives led by the most senior (usually one of the wives of the late Ewi). All the high chiefs and the junior ones are then seated to the right and left of the Oba's throne. Finally, the Ewi comes out richly dressed in his best and most up-to-date traditional robe and crown. All the people rise up and shout "Kabiyesi" Iku, Ekun, etc. After the Ewi had taken his seat, the high chiefs come forward to pay homage in the following order. 1. The Oke Ewi Chiefs led by (a) the Odogun of ELERI MARUN on the one hand and (b) The Ologunsikin leading the ELESI group on the other hand. The junior chiefs including the Ijoye Ewi join them to salute the Ewi the traditional way. 2. The Odo Ado Chiefs led again by (a) The Odofin leading the other 3 AARE (b) The Oisa leading the 15 other Elumo and (c) The Alarierin leading the Olori Ogbon meta from Oke-Ila. Normally, the war chiefs from each sector pay homage after the chiefs from their own sectors. But on this occasion, the war chiefs come in their traditional regalia and they pay homage as warriors. This they do one after the other after the Eyelori would have paid homage to the Ewi. Thus the Eyelori follow the chiefs and the Elegbe follow the Eyelori. The Barafon or the eldest Elegbe normally dances last. After that, the Ewi makes the annual "speech from the throne", and the ceremonies come to an end for the day. Everyone returns home to continue the celebrations - eating and drinking. The following day, the chiefs, the Elegbe, the town's people all once again assemble at the inner chambers of the AAFIN - " OWA-UA" "THE ASSEMBLY COURT" to meet the Ewi there. One of the Elegbe delivers the annual speech or message from the town's people. Usually a critical review of the administration of the town in the past year including suggestions for better administration in the new year. On this occasion the chiefs are lavishly entertained with food and drinks by Ewi.

(Day 3): Countdown To #IdirokoDay Ado - Ekiti And Udiroko Part 1 - An Account of HRM Oba Daniel Anirare-kesiloni Aladesanmi II

When the several children of Oduduwa were leaving Ile-Ife to found their own territories, the Oba Ado, or Elewi as he was called then was not left out of the Princely adventure. Ancient Yoruba history tells us that the Oba of Benin and Oba Ado (Ewi) were brothers born of the same mother to Oduduwa. The two of them were reported to have left Ile-Ife for a place known today as Benin City and its vicinity to settle. But the Ewi and his people pitched their camp at a place called ORUNMODI meaning 'God-fortified round wall.' The place was said to have been a fairly level ground surrounded by low hills and was situated near the present Benin City. Once settled, the smooth cordiality that existed between the two brothers began to turn sour. Frequent clashes and bloody encounters featured prominently between the people of both brothers. When the situation became intolerable, the Ewi summoned courage and led his people out of Orunmodi and Journeyed with them towards the northwest direction in search of a fertile land where to settle. Legend has it that Ewi and his people wandered for a long time before the came to settle at the present site if Ado Ekiti - a distance of 140miles from the ancient city of Benin City or Orunmodi. The first Oba Ado or Ewi is called Awamaro or Elewi. He conquered many villages, towns and hamlets during his wandering. Awamaro and his people first stopped at Oke-Papa Utamodi. Later he settled for some time respectively at Idoani and Agbado - the later being a town Ise and Ikole Ekiti. Because they were fed up with the constant movement of the Elewi, the elders of his people decided not to follow him any longer if the Oba's urge to resume his wandering gripped him again. And true to their anticipation, Awamaro called his people and informed them that they had to leave Agbado. The elders made their decision known to him and there was nothing he could do to make them rescind it. While he moved on the elders remains behind. That settlement was later nike-named 'Ile Agba Ado' (the homestead of Ado Elders). The elders too retained their identity as 'Agba Ado' (Elders of Ado). The town derived its name of Agbado from these two reference names, and it is still in existence at about 25miles from present Ado - Ekiti. Advancing westwards, the Elewi arrived at a hilly place. He moved to the top of one of the hills and settled his people there once more. He named the hill as Oke-Ewi (Ewi's hill) The migrants met an aboriginal race there called the Ilesun people. Their leader played the dual role of a priest and king. They could not resist the military onslaught of the invaders and so had to surrender to a superior authority of the Elewi. However, one thing is significant. The Ilesun people retained their cultural identity till today and they have to play an important traditional marketing role during the installation of an Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. On settling down finally, Awamaro named the people who accompanied him as Ado-the encampers. From this Ado-Ekiti got its name. Therefore literally, 'Ado' means 'WE SETTLE.' The word 'Ekiti' which makes it become compound refers to its hilly area earlier mentioned. In early era the town was called Ado-Ewi-Ekiti. The word Ewi is a title used to distinguish the Ado-Ekiti ruler from others bearing Ado e.g. Ado Ibenin or Ado-Odo etc.. To be continued......

Afenifere Lambasts Buhari's One-Man Show, Says He's Behaving Like A Dictator

Afenifere, a socio-political group weekend condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of administration saying he is behaving like a dictator. The group’s Chairman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti said this in Akure while assessing the President’s actions so far. “President Buhari is running a one-man show. Let him appoint his cabinet and start serious business,’’ he said. Fasoranti also added that it will be a disaster if the report of the National Confab organised by the immediate past administration is dumped by the president. According to him; ”I think the President should sit down and have a package. What people are saying is very correct that he is just picking people here and there. “He seems not to have settled down to governance yet and time is flying. “Let him constitute the cabinet and start working. As it is now, Buhari is still behaving like a military dictator. Just picking on people, he should sit down to work. He is running a one man show now. Speaking on the report of the National Conference, the Afenifere boss said the group will continue to engage the administration on the implementation of the report for the betterment of the country. On the possibility of dumping the report, he said; “We will wait until then, because at that time we will still want to express our opinion. When we are convinced, we will say it. “The reason we supported Jonathan of course was because he agreed to carry out the decisions of the National Conference. The present government is not working towards that and when the time comes, we shall speak.’’ Speaking on Ooni, he said; ‘’His death is a sad loss, very heavy loss. Ooni was a quintessential monarch ,very humble, friendly and broad minded. He towered above other monarchs.” “The way he dresses, the way he speaks with confidence. I have never seen him frown. He was always relaxed, always approached problems with ease and understanding. I think the other monarch accepted him as a superior king.’’

Ekiti Farmers Get N10m Agrochemicals

In fulfilment of his promise, Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose through the Commissioner for Agric, Kehinde Odebunmi distributed agrochemicals to cocoa farmers in Ekiti state. Some months back, Governor Fayose promised to loan cocoa farmers in Ekiti state N10m to buy agrochemicals. Today, the promise has been fulfilled, as agrochemicals worth N10m were given to cocoa farmers. In the past, lack of fund to purchase agrochemicals to treat the cocoa trees/pods was one of the major factors militating against the yields of cocoa produce, but the timely intervention of Governor Fayose has eliminated the financial impediment. Cocoa farmers from all the sixteen local government of the state converged at the Seed Processing Unit of the Ministry, Matthew street, Ado Ekiti to be part of good gesture. Promise fulfilled by the Promise keeper Fayose is working.. Ekiti is progressing.. Farmers are happy...

Community projects: Economic challenges won't slow us down, Fayose assures

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said despite the financial challenges facing the state government, his administration will not slow down the pace of the execution of its ongoing projects. This is just as former Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ekiti State University, Professor Fashina Abayomi Sunday, commended the governor for having the fore sight to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. The governor gave the assurance on Saturday while inspecting work on the 11-kilometre Bawa-Irewumi-Olorunsogo-Police Headquarters Road in Ado-Ekiti. In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor said the determination to impact positively on the lives of the people of the state was keeping him going in the face of enormous challenges, and also appealed to the people to be alive to their responsibilities to the government and support it. He stressed that the opening up of Ado-Ekiti metropolis with access roads would help in decongesting the city centre. "One good thing is that we are trying our best and improving the quality of life of the people. The people of this area did not lobby me to construct this road, but we are always ready to do the needful and we won't allow the current economic challenges to deter us. "We want to service more people by embarking on projects and policies that will make life bearable and comfortable for them. People of the state should also be praying for this government. There is no perfect person. We have our shortcomings, but we are improving daily to give our best to our people," he said. The governor urged the people of the area and the state at large to also be alive to their civic and other obligations to the government. On the complaint of poor power supply to the area, the governor said the relevant agencies would be informed, but urged the people to note that electricity companies were now private and that consumers should also pay their bills. Professor Fashina who is a resident of Irewumi Estate, one of the communities the ongoing road project would serve came out of his house to witness the Governor inspecting the project said,"Governor Ayo Fayose is a friend of the masses not by words of mouth only, but in action. "Before he came to office and start the opening up of this community with the road project, we were in a serious dilemma. Imagine a community of about 5,000 people with no access road, but the governor has changed that," he said. Also speaking, other residents such as Godwin Felix and Mrs Christiana. Ayeni, thanked the state government for the project. They appealed to the governor not to allow the pace of work to slow down and ensure that the job is done to specification.

Fasholagate: My Defence ~ Babatunde Raji Fashola

In response to allegations of extra-marital affairs, N78 million website and his role in the National Assembly drama, Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos state has released a statement to defend himself. In his statement he explained how he adopted three more kids, the reason for spending N78 million on his website and that he did not interfere in the NASS election that brought Bukola Saraki to power. Below is his full statement: #When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty". This statement of profound wisdom informed my silence in the wake of manipulated and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing recently being levelled against me. They started a few weeks to the end of my tenure, and have continued till date. They range from allegations of extra marital paternity of children, to mundane and phantom conspiracy in the National Assembly, a debt profile for Lagos State and lately a website upgrade contract of N78 million, which is being distorted. In so far as the allegations of paternity are concerned, they are wicked and false. I have no biological children other than my two children. #Paternity issue: Of course, I adopted three children who became orphaned as a result of the tragic DANA Airplane crash of 2012 and the adoption followed due process. Those who do not care whether they hurt innocent children or invade the privacy of other citizens in their mindless rage against me will have their rewards served upon them in the fullness of time. #National Assembly crises: As far as my alleged involvement in the National Assembly elections are concerned, they remain only the products of the imagination of those who made the allegations. I was out of the country at the material time and returned only in the early hours of that morning to Abuja, and from there proceeded to Lagos. #Lagos Debt Profile: As far as debts of Lagos State are concerned, the fact is that Lagos had always had debts. Her population is growing and for a long time she has run deficit budgets to cater to the needs of that growing population. All the debts contracted in my time were approved by the Parliament in the annual budgets, some have been paid back and the financial status was healthy and stable when I left. The outlook for the state and her rating by Fitch was long-term foreign and local currency IDRs at 'BB-', short-term IDR at 'B' and national long-term rating at 'AA+(nga)'. When we all pause to reflect and think, we will realise that there are a sizable number of companies who are running business, who have no responsibility for Security, Public Health, Public Education and other responsibilities of Government, who borrow more than Lagos State Government, whether collectively or individually. #Website issue: As far as the website contract is concerned, yes there was a contract. It went through procurement and was approved by the Government agency authorised to do so. One of the services was an "upgrade" quoted for N12.5 million but awarded for N12 million. There were other services that were new; like a handover countdown clock, mobile Apps for Google, for IOS and ipad, for Microsoft, and for Research in Motion (Blackberry), which the existing website did not have, as well as the annual maintenance cost for managing the website. It was for all these services that the contract was issued for N78 million, which the Lagos State procurement agency gave a No Objection based on the advice of the Ministry of Science and Technology, who are the Government adviser on ICT matters. In publishing this Contract award which was the Government tradition under my watch, the procurement agency website summarised it as "upgrade" only without detailing the other services and this has been distorted by the agents of hate as their suspected "smoking gun". For those who are familiar with mobile Applications, they will know that users either pay for them online or download them for free. What is usual is that applications for service are usually provided to users free, but somebody bears the cost. Since these applications were to be made available to the public for free access and to assist Government communication, we decided to pay for them. The entire documents are with the Lagos State Government and are available for those who seek the truth. For the record, since 2008, long before the Freedom of Information Act was ever passed, we had put out all our contracts on the State website because I believe people deserve to know. It is regrettable that a "summary" of the contract has been deliberately distorted to misinform the public. This particular website came into being as a result of the decision I made to make my telephone number public for the several thousands of people seeking to reach me daily. The website that is now under attack helped me to do my job and to respond to citizens, and the contract was issued to run till my last day of office. It stands logic upside down to "fraudulently" award a contract and then have it published on a website. To date, there have been 27.666 million hits on this website, with 1,844 videos, 34,381 photographs, 2,531 press releases and 595 speeches, among other items of public communication. I have chosen to make this personal response because as the head of government at the time of the transaction, the buck as they say stops on my desk and also because of the many calls, text messages and mails coming from many people seeking clarification and to prevent fiction from being mistaken for truth. I expect that there may be more distorted allegations without evidence, for reasons that remain in the realm of speculation, because, I have been informed reliably that large amounts of money are being paid to some of these agents to bear false witness. I cannot conclude without responding to the crusade of CACOL and their ilk, seeking my prosecution on allegations that have no proof and writing "pre-emptive" letters to the Presidency. In case they are unaware, I am not looking for a job. I expect them to know that allegations of wrong doing are not resolved without evidence, neither are they resolved in press conferences. I have served my state, and by extension, my country for Twelve and half years and I did so with my heart. I am taking the rest that I believe I have earned. For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror. For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands. As for me, I have moved on. My job is done.