… promises to promote culture and tradition to it’s peak earnestly
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has pledged his resolve never to underrate Yoruba Culture and tradition, but rather work earnestly to develop it to the fullest.
The State helmsman made the resolution in Osogbo on Monday at this year’s edition of Isese day celebration.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Bankole Ojo noted that his passion for Yoruba Culture knows no bounds, as it is imperative for him to develop and promote it, just like other religions in the land.
While referring to the just concluded Osun Osogbo festival which was celebrated in grand style, with the face-lifting of Osun Groove, the Governor who pledged not to despise the injunctions of Ifa oracle, enjoined the elders to continue encouraging the younger ones to cherish Yoruba culture and traditions.
In their separate remarks, Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, who was represented by Kemade Elugbaju and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin urged the Traditionalists to live in unity with one other, and never give themselves to any religious dispute. Oba Adedotun Abolarin substantiated his admonition with a scripture in 1 Peter 2:17 enunciating,”Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.Honour the King.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Araba Awo of Osogbo land, Chief Ifayemi Elebuiban and the President, Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda decried the lackadaisical attitude of Yorubas to their culture at the expense of foreign culture and languages.
The duo opined that if Yoruba Culture could be embraced and appreciated in a proper way, it will contribute to the economic growth of the Country as a whole.
They appreciated Osun Government for being the first Yoruba State to observe “Isese day,” while commending other Southwestern States for joining Osun to mark the day,explaining that it is the unification festival for all the deities, which gives traditionalist the opportunity to give thanks to the “Olodumare” and ask for more blessings.
The two Ifa Priests urged Osun State Government to set up a body that will see to religious crises in the land in order to forestall anybody from precipitating religious crises anywhere.
The celebration featured many activities like parading Orisa colours, Special prayers, Spiritual messages, Cultural performances and presentation of gifts to some significant Traditionalists.
In attendance were Traditional rulers, Spiritualists, Cultural dancers as well as management and staff of Osun Ministry of Culture and Tourism led by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Ogunlumade, along with Management and Staff of Osun State Council for Arts and Culture led by it’s Executive Secretary, Mrs Solape Abolarin.
