Ekiti Summit News - ESN

30/11/2025

ROYAL MATERNAL LINEAGE OF PRINCESS GRACE ADESOLA ADUKE ALUFA (1950-2025)

(AROJOJOYE ROYAL RULING HOUSE, IJERO -EKITI)

By Femi Alufa

" I am not weary,and 'tis long tonight.I pray you,let us satisfy our eyes with the memorials and the things of fame that do renown this city".

- Williams Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

My beloved mother, Princess Grace Adesola Aduke Alufa's maternal lineage also had blue blood connections from royalties of Owa Ajero of Ijero -Ekiti.

Her own mother, Princess Adegbemile Ilesanmi (nee Aderuku) was a daughter of the throne born to Ajero Aderuku Arojojoye I ( reigned 1916-1930).

Hence,She was a member of the Arojojoye Royal Ruling House of Ijero-Ekiti through her maternal lineage.

AJERO ATAKUMOSA
(APEX ANCESTOR OF THE AROJOJOYE ROYAL RULING HOUSE)

Ajero Atakumosa was the first Ajero of Ijero from the royal lineage of Prince Otutu, Ajero Ogbe younger brother.He reigned from 1396-1409 .He was hence a grandson of Ajero Alakeji I of the old regime.He was the ancestor of the Ajero Arojojoye Royal Ruling House of Ijero-Ekiti.

The following is the list of Ajero of Ijero from the Arojo( Arojojoye) Royal Ruling House of Ijero-Ekiti:

1.Ajero Atakumosa
2.Ajero Agbagba
3.Ajero Otipiri
4.Ajero Ajiboye
5.Ajero Okinbaloye
6.Ajero Eyebiokin (Afesojoye)
7.Ajero Afinbiokin
8.Ajero Agbeleja (Agbeleja bi Arira)
9.Ajero Aderuku (Arojojoye I)*
10.Ajero Adebayo Adewole (Arojojoye II)(1991-till date)

AJERO AGBELEJA (1821-1866)

Ajero Agbeleja (1821-1866) reigned for 45 years on the throne.He was the father of Eye Yemuye ( Wife of the renowned warrior Akogun Fasuan of Irona quarters, Ado-Ekiti and mother of Warrior Apata Pari (Shaji),the maternal ancestor of Aare Afe Babalola,founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD),Eye Yemuye junior sister was Princess Adelola,(royal consort of Ewi Ali Atewogboye (1836-1886) and the mother of Ewi Adewumi Agunsoye of Ado- Ekiti (1910-1936), who begot late Prince Adegoke Adewumi .

29/11/2025

MATERNAL LINEAGE OF PRINCESS GRACE ADESOLA ADUKE ALUFA FROM OKEMESI -EKITI, IKORO -EKITI AND AYETORO -EKITI

By Femi Alufa

"People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors".

-Edmund Burke, Irish Statesman

It is important to note that from every enquires and investigations,I gleaned information from my mother ( Grace Adesola Alufa)maternal grandmother (late Princess Adegbemile Ilesanmi ) based on oral records and evidence that their maternal lineage sprung from Okemesi -Ekiti, Ikoro -Ekiti, Ayetoro -Ekiti and down to Ijero -Ekiti.

OBA FATIMEHIN APONLESE, The OWA OOYE of OKEMESI -EKITI

Oba Fatimehin Aponlese,was the 9th Oloja (Owa Ooye) of Okemesi -Ekiti.He was an uncle of the legendary Ekiti Warrior, Prince Fabunmi Adesoye Oraralada of the EkitiParapo (Kiriji) war fame.Oba Fatimehin Aponlese reigned in the mid 19th century to the late 19th century as the oldest Monarch in Okemesi-Ekiti history.He was the father of Princess Ajitoni.

CHIEF FAMOROTI, The OMINIO of IKORO -EKITI
Princess Ajitoni married one High Chief Famoroti ( Okere baradina) the Ominio of Ikoro -Ekiti who reigned during the Ikoro -Ekiti/Ibadan Wars of the 1840s ,a precursor of the Kiriji War during the reign of Ajero Agbeleja of Ijero -Ekiti and Oba Adetula Alagirija Akoworo-bi-Oyinbo, The Olukoro of Ikoro in the 1830s.

The marriage union of Princess Ajitoni and Chief Famoroti (Okere baradina)of Ojobe street ,the Ominio of Ikoro -Ekiti produced one Madam Onijiginaran.
Chief Famoroti had other children including Eyelogun Oni(the paternal grandmother of Kester Olaifa Esq, journalist and historian from Ikoro -Ekiti).

Madam Onijiginaran married a man from Iyappa (now Ayetoro -Ekiti).She begot EYEKILE,EYESUBU( and other children in Ayetoro -Ekiti.
EYEKILE was the grandmother of Madam Felicia Oja Dada (aged 90) and EYESUBU (OKUNWEMI) was the maternal great grandmother of Late Princess Grace Adesola Aduke Alufa.The list is by no mean exhaustive.

26/11/2025

Do you know that PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE,the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God is the first Pentecostal Blackman to plant a church in Israel.
What a Grace.We celebrate you immensely Sir!

26/11/2025

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Princess Grace Adesola Alufa (1950–2025)

Footprints of Royalty and Grace

Princess Grace Aduke Adesola Alufa has transitioned to join the revered pantheon of the ancestors, her light shining eternally in the hearts of all who were blessed by her presence. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

We bid farewell to a beloved mother, a double Princess, and an extraordinary Matriarch.

As we prepare to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy, the family warmly invites friends, relatives, and well-wishers to join us for her Funeral Obsequies:

SAVE THE DATE

December 5–6, 2025

CHRISTIAN WAKE KEEP

Venue: Her Residence, Behind Igbamitoro Market, Aramoko Road, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM

FUNERAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Venue: Christ Apostolic Church (WOSEM Revival Center),
Ile Iyanu, Aramoko Road, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM

RECEPTION OF GUESTS

Venue: Adebomi Events Center, Aramoko Road, Ijero-Ekiti
Time: Immediately after the Thanksgiving Service.

“To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.”

RSVP:
Femi Alufa, Esq.
For the Family


#5–6December2025

25/11/2025

FUNERAL OBSEQUIES OF MR. OLUSEGUN AWOLOWO Jnr.ANNOUNCED BY HIS FAMILY

The family of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., LL.B, B.L., has announced the official funeral programme for the distinguished lawyer, public servant, and grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His death in 2025 has drawn nationwide tributes, reflecting a life marked by public service, intellectual depth, and quiet influence across Nigeria’s policy and business circles.

The schedule begins with a Night of Tributes on Monday, 1 December 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 4:00 p.m. The family has suggested white or silver as the colours of the day.

A Wake-Keeping Service will follow on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at the same venue, also at 4:00 p.m., with guests expected to wear shades of green, symbolising hope and renewal.

The Final Funeral Service will be held on Friday, 5 December 2025, at Our Saviour’s Church, Ikoyi, Lagos, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with shades of blue designated for attendees.

As messages of condolence continue from across Nigeria and the diaspora, Newspot Nigeria sympathizes deeply with both the Awolowo and Folawiyo families during this difficult period. Segun Awolowo Jr., the only son of Hajia Abah Folawiyo and the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leaves behind a legacy that bridges two of Nigeria’s most respected families.

Ekiti Summit News will continue to provide updates as the funeral proceedings unfold.

25/11/2025

Eulogy for Prince Olusegun Awolowo(1963-2025)

In the quiet dawn of a nation’s heart,
A gentle light has dimmed.
Yet its warmth lingers - steady, calm,
A testament to a life well lived.

You walked the path of duty
Not for glory, nor for praise,
But because service was your nature,
And integrity your lifelong flame.

Grandson of Awo-,a political king and timeless legacy,
Yet you carved a name all your own -
With vision, with kindness,
With a loyalty that never wavered.

You lifted others by your example,
Shaped futures with your labour,
And carried Nigeria in your spirit
As one carries a cherished home.

Today, your journey continues
Beyond the veil of earthly days;
But your footsteps remain with us,
Guiding, steady, unforgotten.

Rest now, Prince Olusegun Awolowo -
In the peace of a life that mattered,
In the grace of a name made proud,
In the hearts of all you touched.

- FEMI ALUFA

23/11/2025

Congratulations, Kabiyesi,the Ewi of Ado- Ekiti ,Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe on your 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary thanksgiving service today at a well-attended service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti by the royal fathers and creme de la creme of the society including His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife .

We thank your Majesty's contributions to the creation of Ekiti State, preserving and promoting of our cultural heritage, unity, peaceful coexistence and development of Ado-Ekiti Kingdom and the entire Ekiti State have been unparalleled and are widely admired beyond the borders of Yoruba land.
Long live Your Majesty Sir!

22/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DfPLBi1hm/

INTERVIEW EWI, A SELFLESS MONARCH – AARE AFE BABALOLA Aare Afe Babalola is a prominent indigene of Ado-Ekiti.He has contributed in no smallmeasure to the growth and development of Ado-Ekiti, which earned him the Chieftaincytitle of Fiwajoye of Ado-Ekiti.Among his laudable projects in the town is a...

20/11/2025

𝐀𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐨’𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟔𝟐

Former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Olusegun Awolowo, is dead.

He was the grandson of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) and only son of his parents,Segun Awolowo Snr.(Awolowo eldest son) and Abah Folawiyo.

May his soul rest in peace.😭😭😭😭

04/11/2025

Happy Birthday to Ewi of Ado -Ekiti @80 and 35 Years on the Throne!

We celebrate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP -The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti - at 80 and 35 Years on the Throne of His Progenitors

We join the good people of Ado-Ekiti, indigenes at home and in the diaspora, and the entire Ekiti State in joyous celebration of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP, the revered Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, as he graciously marks his 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his coronation.

This remarkable double milestone offers a profound moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and celebration of a life devoted to service, leadership, and the advancement of humanity.

Since ascending the ancient throne of his forefathers in 1990, Oba Adejugbe has provided exemplary leadership that has shaped Ado-Ekiti into a beacon of peace, unity, and modern development. His visionary reign has witnessed the steady transformation of Ado-Ekiti - from a historic Yoruba kingdom into a vibrant state capital and center of culture, education, and enterprise.

Under his wise and peaceful guidance, the Ewi-in-Council has worked harmoniously with successive governments to ensure the continuous progress of Ekiti State. His reign has been defined by stability, inclusiveness, and cultural renaissance, earning him the admiration of both the traditional institution and the wider Nigerian nation.

Long live Ewi Ado,our Living Ancestor,
Your Majesty Sir!

Ewi Ado,Owa Agbogbo moja ,Oko Eyesorun,
Elempe Ekiti,O sa kere kere lode Ikere,
Orin gbara gbara lode Igbara ...
Aseyi Samodun Ooo,Ewi Otu!...

E- Signed:

FEMI ALUFA Esq.


#19-23November

30/10/2025

Public Lecture in honour of Papa - Joel Babatola to be delivered by Chief Bisi Akande on Friday, November 7 in Ado-Ekiti

The lecture is in honor of High Chief Dr. J.E. Babatola,(1918-2014) an eminent nationalist, Ekiti Patriot and first and second Republic politician who started his teaching career in the 30s and 40s and became a College Principal before veering into politics is slated for Friday, November 7th.
The Lecture in honour of Papa J.E.Babatola was organized by the Joel Babatola Annual Lecture Series (JOBAL) in conjunction with the Ekiti Council of Elders.

High Chief Joel Ehinafe Babatola served as a Parliamentary Secretary and Minister in charge of Local Government Affairs, Minister of Justice (Customary Courts Division), Minister of Cabinet Office (Office of Chief Obafemi Awolowo), Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Minister of Labour, Roving Secretary and Adviser to the Premier at the London Constitutional Conference, and Chairman of 1960 Independence Celebration Committee in Western Nigeria among others.

He was one of the few notable ministers in the colonial era and the First Republic who were never found liable of corrupt enrichment charges in Government. He was never jailed unlike many other politicians during various trials set up for political leaders by the military junta at the end of the first and second republic.

He was also the confidential adviser of Col. Adekunle Fajuyi as the Military Governor of Western Nigeria and one of his co-chief mourners after his assassination with Gen. Ironsi.

He survived the various political attacks at the verge of Nigeria’s independence as a faithful lieutenant of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and during his persecution for trump up treasonable felony trial.

When the military junta decided to reward his various achievements and patriotic activities, he was appointed as the only Commissioner from Ekiti Division (now Ekiti State) in the Government of Western State of Nigeria .

28/10/2025

INEC Chairman appoints Chief Press Secretary

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has appointed former Punch Editor, Adedayo Oketola, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS). Oketola takes over from Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served in the role under former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.