Efon Alaaye Marks 43rd Thanksgiving, Honours Oyebanji, Bamidele, Unveils N100m Palace
The Efon Alaaye Kingdom has honoured Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele with chieftaincy titles as part of efforts to drive development and attract investment to the town.
At the grand finale of the 43rd Efon Alaaye Day celebration on Saturday, August 23, 2026, at the Efon Alaaye Stadium, the Alaaye of Efon, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare Agunsoye II, announced Oyebanji as Bashorun Ataiyese and Bamidele as Okanlomo Atunluse of Efon Kingdom. The titles will be formally conferred soon.
The monarch said the recognition was in appreciation of their contributions to the growth of Ekiti and Efon in particular. He disclosed that the ongoing Palace Renovation Project has now gulped over N100 million under Chief Patrick Akinboye Ojo.
“Service is never forgotten; excellence and dedication are always celebrated. Honours and chieftaincy titles are not finite but continuous,” Oba Agunsoye said.
The 2026 edition, themed EFONXTRAORDINAIRE 2026’marks 43 years since the community began annual thanksgiving on August 24, 1984, following God’s protection during the 1983 political violence in the old Ondo State.
Push for Investment and Infrastructure
President-General of the Efon Alaaye Development League, EDL, Balogun Olumuyiwa Oluwole Aiyegbusi, used the occasion to call on indigenes and investors to tap into Efon’s potential in tourism, commerce and industry.
He cited the kingdom’s peaceful atmosphere, mountain scenery and climate as ideal for hotels, holiday homes and agribusiness.
“We are second only to Ijebu-Ode in Yorubaland to institutionalise thanksgiving. Our new executive is determined to surpass past records and reposition Efon for good governance, education and industrialisation,” Aiyegbusi said.
The EDL Secretary-General, Afolabi Ige, Esq., said the League has inaugurated five standing committees, including the Efon Inland Security Service Committee chaired by Hon. Olamide Oni and a retired ACP, to support official security agencies.
Efon Local Government Chairman, Hon. Afolabi Segun Ezekiel, announced the establishment of a new Vigilante Outfit with motorcycles and funding donated by the Alaaye and other patriots.
He listed ongoing projects to include: rehabilitation of Erekesan-Ilosi Road, construction of St. Michael’s Grammar School Road bridge, concrete overlay at Igboegun, boreholes at Ogbonaro and Imoba, farm roads, and support for electricity and water reticulation.
He added that the State Government is seeking private investors for water and power, while the Alaaye Palace reconstruction has reached an advanced stage following a take-off grant from Governor Oyebanji.Government
The week-long event featured youth sports, Egungun parade, free medical outreach, Miss Efon Alaaye pageant, and a CAN National Thanksgiving Service.
Fuji star, Abass Akande Obesere, thrilled the crowd at the grand finale, sponsored by Efon patriot Mr. Gbenga Akanni of G-Unit Hotels.
The Planning Committee also honoured distinguished indigenes including Chief Amos Bamidele Olowokere, Ologbonla; Hon. Justice Monisola Abodunde; and posthumous awards to Late Pastor S.F. Obisesan, composer of the Efon anthem, and Late Dr. Emmanuel Dada, founder of the town’s first private hospital.
The celebration will end on Sunday with a National Thanksgiving Service.