As preparation gears up towards the celebration of this year’s Ulefunta Festival in Akure, Ondo State, a special invitation has been extended to the ILUSEC ’96 Family, a set of Ilupeju Secondary school of Old Students Association by the Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi to participate at this year’s festival.
The ILUSEC ’96 Family got the honour recently during a courtesy visit to the monarch in Akure to felicitate with the Imperial Majesty on the forthcoming annual festival which is fast gaining international recognition.
The set used the opportunity to intimate the Deji of Akure of their plans and activities lined up to celebrate 30 years anniversary of passing out of the alma mater comes 2026 in Lagos, and to specially invite the Monarch as Royal Father of the day.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of ILUSEC ’96 Family, Engr. Kazeem Okunnu, said it is a rare privilege standing before the Imperial Majesty to gladly express his heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the members of ILUSEC ’96 family.
In his words: ‘’We truly appreciate the kindness and hospitality shown to us today by his Royal Majesty. Your generosity and warmth reception have made us feel homely, so valued and appreciated this gesture.’’
‘’We are indeed grateful for this great opportunity to connect with you, we pray you keep shining your light and spreading joy to the people of Akure and its environs. We wish you all the best in your reign.
‘’On behalf of the ILUSEC ‘96 family, I present this token Special Award Certificate to you as a mark of honour, kindly accept it as we hope to do more during our next visit.’’
In his reaction, the Seele of Akure Kingdom, Chief Taiwo Rapheal, who spoke on behalf of the Deji of Akure disclosed that, ‘’Today, we have started a relationship with your school and your set, ILUSEC ’96 family. We appreciate your visit, also the gesture extended to the Imperial Majesty, we are not taking it for granted.’’
He said that, ‘’I would like to state that everything is not about money, when you see a group of people showing some sense of responsibility it is necessary for us to reciprocate. I am assuring you that his Imperial Majesty will reciprocate as at when due.
‘’As par your programme, definitely we will be there, by the time you will be having that event we would have been so bonded and this kingdom would be present.
‘’Here in Akure we have a traditional festival called Ulefunta that is being projected like the Oju-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, it is coming up on October 5, 2024, we are extending our invitation to you to grace this year’s festival. We will send you an official invitation letter to that effect.’’
The Seele however showered praises on Hon. Dayo Joseph, one of the members of ILUSEC ’96 family who hosted the set in Akure for his laudable contributions to the Kingdom through his media profession.
‘’Without mincing words, I know him very well through his profession. He has done so well in the profession and you will never see him where he is not supposed to be. Your school conceived and given birth to a star who has done well for his community.
‘’He has shown that he was well tutored from the alma mater. He got his foundation right from his primary and secondary school days at Ilupeju Secondary School. You have given us one of the finest individuals who has done so well for this kingdom’’, he said.
Members of the ILUSEC ’96 Family were taken round the palace to witness the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and traditions that have been in place for centuries. The Set were able to learn and appreciate the history and culture of the Akure Kingdom.
During Ulefunta festival, the Deji embarks on a seven-day period of seclusion, devoting himself to prayers and introspection for the peace, prosperity, and development of Akure.
This sacred tradition has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Akure Kingdom.
