The Ada Traditional Council and the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival Planning Committee have announced the cancellation of the festival’s Grand Durbar of Chiefs and Sunday Thanksgiving Service to allow for the uninterrupted observance of traditional purification and spiritual rites.
In a statement, the organisers said the decision followed consultations with the Traditional Council and custodians of Ada customs, who agreed to extend the traditional cleansing and spiritual observances through Saturday to ensure their successful completion.
As a result, the Grand Durbar of Chiefs, which had been scheduled for Saturday, and the Sunday Thanksgiving Service will no longer take place.
According to the organisers, this year’s 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival is primarily dedicated to purification, spiritual renewal and communal cleansing, in keeping with the customs and traditions of the Ada State.
Despite the changes to the official programme, the Traditional Council assured sponsors, development partners, tourists, residents and the general public that all other entertainment, tourism and festival-related activities would proceed as scheduled.
The organisers encouraged visitors to take advantage of the festival period to experience Ada’s beaches, estuaries, cultural heritage, historical attractions, local cuisine and renowned hospitality.
They also called on sons and daughters of Ada, both at home and abroad, to return to their hometown to reunite with their families and participate in the sacred season of reflection and spiritual renewal.
The Traditional Council expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the adjustments but stressed that the changes were necessary to preserve the integrity, sanctity and enduring traditions of the Ada State as preparations continue for future historic milestones.
