Deji of Akure invites ILUSEC ’96 Alumni to join Ulefunta Festival celebrations

As preparations for the 2024 Ulefunta Festival in Akure intensify, the Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has extended a special invitation to the ILUSEC ’96 Family, a group of alumni from Ilupeju Secondary School.

The invitation was extended during a recent courtesy visit by the alumni group to the monarch’s palace, where they also announced plans for their upcoming 30th-anniversary celebration in 2026.

The ILUSEC ’96 Family visited the Deji to congratulate him on the forthcoming festival, which has been gaining international recognition. During the visit, the group shared details of their anniversary plans, set to take place in Lagos, and invited the monarch to be the Royal Father of the Day at the event.

Engr. Kazeem Okunnu, Chairman of the ILUSEC ’96 Family, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the group for the warm reception they received from the Deji. “We truly appreciate the kindness and hospitality shown to us today by His Royal Majesty. Your generosity has made us feel valued and appreciated,” Okunnu said. He also presented a Special Award Certificate to the Deji as a mark of honor.

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In response, Chief Taiwo Raphael, the Seele of Akure Kingdom, speaking on behalf of the Deji, welcomed the ILUSEC ’96 Family’s visit and expressed appreciation for the gesture.

He assured the group that the Deji would reciprocate their goodwill, emphasizing that the bond between the Akure Kingdom and the ILUSEC ’96 Family would strengthen over time.

Chief Raphael officially invited the group to the Ulefunta Festival, which will take place on October 5, 2024, highlighting its significance as a cultural event comparable to the Oju-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode. The festival, a time-honored tradition in Akure, sees the Deji undertake a week-long period of seclusion, dedicated to prayers and reflection for the peace and prosperity of the kingdom.

The visit also included a tour of the palace, where the ILUSEC ’96 Family was introduced to the rich cultural heritage of the Akure Kingdom. The Deji praised Hon. Dayo Joseph, a member of the alumni group, for his contributions to the kingdom through his work in the media, underscoring the pride the Akure Kingdom takes in its illustrious sons.

The Ulefunta Festival has grown in popularity as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the vibrant cultural traditions of Akure.