The Return of the Natives is the title of one of Thomas Hardy’s numerous novels. The title of this English novel can also be used to describe the emotional reunion of many indigenes of the six Imesi communities that recently converged on Imesi-Ekiti in Ekiti State, between August 16 and 17, 2013 to celebrate their common origin. The Imesi kingdoms located in western Nigeria thus: Okemesi-Ekiti, Imesi-Ekiti and Imesi-Ile, Imasayi, Imesi-Isale and the Olu-Isa kingdom in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, traced their common ancestry to Ooye Lagbo, an Ile-Ife princess who is the grandmother of Ojugbaye. Prince Peter Kola Bamigbade who is the national coordinator of Imesi Diaspora Initiative (IDI), a non-governmental organisation that spearheaded the emotional reunion, told Saturday Newswatch that his organisation is a platform for coordinating, harmonising and promoting the socio-cultural and historical interests of the Imesi people. According to him, the trio of Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, have shown keen interest in the annual cultural celebration of the six Imesi kingdoms tagged, “Imeside Diaspora Festival.” Prince Bamigbade stated that the festival is to serve as a forum for bringing the various Imesi monarchs, political leaders, sons and daughters both within and outside the country together for a re-union as well as rekindle the bond of affinity among them. The Ekiti State governor who was represented at the occasion by the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Omotoso, commended the organisers of the event, noting that the yearly get-together would go a long way to promote the regional integration programme of the South-West governments. He assured that his government would continue to assist the organisers. Prince Bamigbade also told our correspondent that the Asiwaju of Yorubaland, General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd), the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru, have thrown their weights behind the Imeside Disaspora Festival project. This year edition of the festival was jointly hosted by prominent indigenes of the six communities alongside the Owa Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti, Oba Michael Adedeji Gbadebo; Owa Ooye of Imesi-Ile, Oba Enoch Akinyemi; Olu-Imasayi of Imasayi, Oba Adesola Gbadebo Oni; Olu-Isa of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Rasheed Adesanya; and the Owa of Okun-Owa, Oba Gabriel Akinyemi Abiodun, The event began with Jumat prayers at the Central Mosque, Imesi-Ekiti on Friday, August 16, and was followed by a lecture delivered by Chief Adebisi Adekanla, titled, “Imeside, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The event was enlivened with an array of rich cultural display by various groups. Highlight of the cultural performances was the 35-gun-salute by the Chief Jimoh Aliu Cultural Troupe to commemorate the Ekiti Parapo and Kiriji Liberation War that was led by the late Fabunmi of Okemesi. Saturday, August 17 which was the grand finale, featured the conferment of awards/honours on distinguished sons and daughters of the Imesis that have contributed immensely to the making and greatness of the Imesi kingdoms. This was followed by celebration of unity at the Onimesi palace square. The occasion also provided an opportunity to present a book titled, The IMESI: Second Cradle of Yoruba Kingdoms, authored by Prince Bamigbade. The book that was reviewed by Chief (Dr.) Oluwadare Adeyemo, the Balogbo of Imesi Ekiti, chronicles the history, life and achievements of the Imesi kingdoms. Some prominent sons of the six kingdoms who spoke to Saturday Newswatch said they were delighted to be joined with their kiths and kins. Chief Ade Ajayi, the Oore of Imesi Ekiti and Engr. Bodunde Adewumi noted that there are more Imesi communities to be discovered and that the IDI should not relent in its effort to locate them. Dr. Dele Ekunola, who is from Okemesi Ekiti, Sir Jones Familusi and Prophet G.O Fakeye of Imesi-Ile were some of the pillars behind the success of the memorable even
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 16:45:51 +0000
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