Ado-Ekiti — As the People of Ado Ekiti, the headquarters of Ido-Osi Local Government area of Ekiti State, converged in the ancient town to celebrate this year's annual festival otherwise known as Ajodun Omo Ido, the Olojudo, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, extended his hands of friendship to his opponents and indeed all the sons and daughters of the town. The monarch asked the indegenes to forget their differences and join him to move Ido-Ekiti forward.

Speaking during the celebration, tagged Oganganmodu 2012, which coincided with the anniversary of his ascension to the throne, Oba Ilori-Faboro called on his subjects to sink their differences and come together for the development of the town.

The monarch, a sailor who retired as a captain, said there was no way there would no be differences, but urged that, in the interest of the community, the people must work for the rapid development of Ido-Ekiti.

The Olojudo commended his predecessor, the late Oba Olayisade, who, according to him, spent about 61 years on the throne for his good leadership qualities,promising to follow his good example.

"This is our own community. Whatever we can do to improve it we must do it and now."

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Stephen Kolawole Olayokun, spoke on the need to cooperate for the execution of the Ido-Ekiti project in view of the collective dignity attached to it, adding that the reign of the current monarch had brought peace, progress and development to the ancient town.

Dignitaries at the occasion include the Caretaker Chairman, Ido-Osi Local Government, Honourable Gbenga Agbeyo; Chairman, Governing Board of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kayode Akinlade, and wife; Chief Rufus Familoni, Chairman, Organising Committee of the Ido Day 2012; Prof. Kayode Familoni; Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti; Dr. Lawrence Ayodele; and Engr Tope Bejide, the Chairman of Ido-Ekiti Summit. The Eleda of Eda-Ile, Oba Adeniran Benjamin Oso, also graced the event. About three million naira was raised for the completion of the on-going palace project of the Olojudo.

The occasion was also witnessed by dignitaries from within and outside Ekiti State who, well-attired, danced to choreographed tunes from Olaska cultural group.