Emphasizing Cultural Preservation and Economic Growth
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged state governments across the South-West region to focus more on developing and maintaining heritage sites. He emphasized that these sites are blessings from God and play a crucial role in preserving the identity of the people while also boosting the economy. His call came during the 2025 Okota Festival, organized by the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.
Iba Adams also encouraged the Ondo State Government to prioritize the promotion of cultural festivals and traditional heritage sites as part of achieving the same goals. He specifically asked the government to consider ways of promoting the Okota Festival and ensuring it is recognized as one of the significant festivals in the country.
He envisioned that with such efforts, the Okota River site could become a globally renowned cultural heritage site and a major tourism destination, similar to the Osun-Osogbo. The Yoruba generalissimo pointed out that Yorubaland is rich in beautiful tourism and historical heritage sites that can significantly boost its economic fortunes and serve as catalysts for the development of host communities and states.
Iba Adams warned traditional rulers across Yorubaland to take their roles seriously as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition. He stressed that any race or people that abandon their culture and tradition does so at their own peril. He appealed to all traditional rulers in Akoko land to rise to the occasion and join the ranks of prosperous people who promote and celebrate their deities and ancestors.
He emphasized the importance of preserving heritage and identity, noting that there is a clear distinction between religion, culture, and tradition. He called on the state government and traditional institutions to do more in promoting culture and tradition. Drawing inspiration from Asian countries, he highlighted how valuing culture and identity has helped them achieve technological advancement and development.
As the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and a prominent son of Akoko land, Iba Adams pledged his support to any traditional ruler ready to promote the tradition and culture of their kingdom.
The Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Adetona, who is also the Chairman of the Akoko Northwest Council of Obas, shared that he had taken cues from Iba Adams’ efforts in promoting culture and tradition by starting an annual festival in his kingdom. However, he requested support from the Ondo State Government to institutionalize the festival and ensure its sustainability.
The Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Olanipekun, called on the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adesoji Afolabi, to support traditional rulers in promoting culture and tradition. He also urged the state government to return to providing financial and material support to traditional stools, as some obas were struggling with the financial burdens of their positions.
Chairman of the event, Hon. Ogunbi Abiodun, expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the 2025 Okota Festival, pledging to host next year’s edition. He charged traditional rulers in Akokoland to keep praying for the progress of its sons and daughters.
The well-attended festival featured the traditional Aje procession by maids and performances by various cultural groups, showcasing the rich traditions of the people. Groups included the Arigidi-Akoko cultural troupe, the Edo State OPC troupe, and the Okoye traditional group.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Eleriti of Eriti-Akoko, Oba Ogunleye Amos Sunday; the Onimapara of Maparaland, Oba Lateef Amodemaja; the Oluyani Iyani, Oba Joel Daodu; the Onirun of Irunland, Oba Samuel Agboola; the Oloso of Oso-Ajowa, Oba Jimoh Omoola; the Oluru of Uru-Ajowa, Oba Adeyeye Ipinmoroti; the Alasa of Ilasa Kingdom, Oba Ajayi Omolagba; the Onikun of Ikun-Oba Ekiti, Oba Ibiyinka Timothy; the Alase of Ase, Oba Ogidan Aderemi; and the Onisaga of Isaga-Abosule, Oba Mudashiru Atanda Biliaminu, among others.
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