*Gov Mourns Two Illustrious Citizens
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has postponed the proposed Adire Carnival and Exhibition in the state.
State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, made the disclosure in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, June 11.
He said the decision was made to ensure that the exhibition met global best practices, ran seamlessly, and delivered “the rich, immersive experience that the people of Oyo State and our esteemed guests expect.”
He hinted that a new date would be announced in due course, and that all stakeholders and members of the public would be duly informed.
The Commissioner explained that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration remained steadfast in its commitment to
promote, preserve and develop culture and tourism across the state.
“As outlined in the Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development, the state government recognises tourism as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and internally generated revenue (IGR),” he said.
Dr Olatunbosun added that the state had successfully hosted a variety of vibrant cultural and tourism-based events, including the World Twins Festival, World Egungun Festival, World Tourism Day, Iyake International Festival, Oyo State International Tourism Summit, and the Aso-Ofi Festival.
Olatunbosun bosun stated that these initiatives had boosted the local economy, empowered residents, and attracted both national and international attention to the state.
“The Aso-Ofi Festival, in particular, has achieved remarkable success, prompting a government-backed policy encouraging civil and public servants to incorporate Aso-Ofi into their dress code.
“This policy has revitalised indigenous textile production and further cemented Oyo State’s reputation as the ‘Manchester’ of indigenous textile production.
“In continuation of these efforts, the state government—through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with BIZRAIT and Adire Odua—planned the Adire Carnival and Exhibition to showcase and celebrate indigenous textile craftsmanship.
“However, in our collective quest to deliver an event of the highest standard—reflective of Oyo State’s esteemed cultural status—it has become necessary to postpone the event, originally scheduled for Friday, 20th June 2025.
“A new date will be announced in due course, and all stakeholders and members of the public will be duly informed.
“We appreciate the immense support and understanding of all partners, participants, and the general public as we work toward hosting an even more impactful,” he said.
… Makinde Mourns Prominent Ibadan Businessman Ajadi
Meanwhile, Gov. Makinde has mourned the demise of prominent Ibadan businessman, Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi.
The governor described Ajadi as a thoroughbred Ibadan man, who made immense contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan, in particular, and Oyo State in general.
In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde condoled with the immediate family of Alhaji Ajadi, the Muslim community in Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to forgive the sins of the deceased and grant him Aljanah Firdausi.
“I received with shock the news of the death of Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi, a prominent businessman and a great son of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
“Pa Ajadi contributed his quota to the growth and development of Ibadanland in particular and Oyo State in general.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, I commiserate with his immediate family, the Muslim community in Ibadanland, and Oyo State.
“While praying to God to grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss, I also pray that he will be granted Aljanah Firdausi,” Makinde prayed.
… Also Consoles Late Amb. Adefope’s Family
Similarly, Makinde has described the death of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Zambia and member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Ambassador Ibironke Adefope, as a great loss to the state.
The governor described Adefope as an Amazon and an icon, who made indelible marks on the sands of time, stating that she will be greatly missed by the state.
According to the governor, the news of Ambassador Adefope’s death came as a shock, but everyone must submit to the will of God Almighty.
He added that Mama Adefope, as she was fondly called, lived a great and enviable life, sustained the great legacy left by her grandfather, Chief Meredith Adisa Akinloye and also made her own marks.
He said: “The news of the death of our Mama, Ambassador Ibironke Adefope, a former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia and a member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, came to me as a rude shock.
“However, we must submit to the will of God, Who gives and takes life.
“I condole with the entire Eegunjenmi Family of Itutaba, Oje, Ibadan, the family our Pa Meredith Adisa Akinloye, who was Mama’s grandfather, as well as her immediate family. I equally commiserate with the Oyo State Elders’ Council.
“Mama was a great Amazon and an icon, who made immense contributions to the development and progress of Oyo State as well as Nigeria. She sustained the great legacy she inherited and also made her marks on the sand of time.
“She will be missed greatly for her support, words of advice and commitment to our dear state.
“May the Lord console everyone she left behind.”
