Adeleke calls for greater investment in Ile-Ife cultural heritage
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called for increased investment in the cultural heritage of Ile-Ife, saying the ancient city’s historical sites, monuments and traditions can be developed to boost tourism, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Adeleke made the call on Saturday through his Deputy, Kola Adewusi, who represented him at the grand finale of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife.
The colourful festival reached its climax with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, wearing the sacred Are Crown, one of the major traditional rites associated with the annual celebration.
After the ceremony, the Ooni led a procession from his palace to Oke Mogun, accompanied by indigenes, residents, cultural enthusiasts and visitors who came from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
At Oke Mogun, the monarch performed traditional rites associated with the festival, commemorating the historical connection between Oduduwa, Ile-Ife and Ogun.
Speaking at the event, Adewusi congratulated the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife on the successful celebration, describing Olojo as an important platform for preserving and promoting Yoruba history and culture.
He said, “We all seek for the growth and development of Ile-Ife. We should put Ife first in all sectors.”
The Deputy Governor commended the Ooni for his leadership and efforts to promote the cultural heritage of Ile-Ife, saying the festival had provided another opportunity for people from different parts of the world to identify with the ancient city.
Adewusi said the Olojo Festival also provided a link between the present generation and the traditions and values handed down by their ancestors.
“For us, Olojo represents a return to the source. It is the time to remember where we come from, to honour our ancestors and to reaffirm the values and traditions that sustain our people across generations.
“Our culture is one of our greatest assets. We must preserve it and present it to the world. Our heritage can become a powerful driver for tourism, employment and enterprise,” he said.
He said Ile-Ife had several historical sites, monuments and cultural attractions which, if properly preserved and developed, could attract more tourists and create economic opportunities for residents.
The Deputy Governor further commended the Ooni for his efforts to project Ile-Ife on the global cultural stage through the promotion of the Olojo Festival and other initiatives.
“Ile-Ife has many destinations and assets. It has history and monuments. We should preserve these assets.
“Under the leadership of the Ooni, Olojo has gained wider recognition and has become an important platform for cultural expression, tourism and economic opportunity.
“Your efforts to connect the heritage of Ile-Ife to the wider world demonstrate that traditional institutions can continue to play a significant role in contemporary society,” Adewusi said.
Foreign tourists attend festival
The 2026 Olojo Festival attracted cultural enthusiasts and tourists from different countries, including Canada, Brazil and South Africa.
Their presence added an international dimension to the celebration and further highlighted the interest of people outside Nigeria in the cultural heritage of Ile-Ife.
Ooni prays for Nigeria
The Ooni had earlier dedicated the spiritual activities of the festival to prayers for Nigeria, seeking peace, unity, healing and sustainable progress for the country.
The monarch urged Nigerians to embrace unity and cooperation, saying the country could only achieve meaningful development when its people worked together.
He also called on Nigerians to promote peace, tolerance and love, while putting aside ethnic and religious differences.
“I am praying for Nigeria and for Nigerians. I seek Olodumare’s mercy upon this land. May we all experience peace, unity, progress and the blessings of the Almighty.
“To the sons and daughters of Oduduwa everywhere, I urge you: be peaceful, be united and let us work together for progress,” the Ooni said.
He also appealed to political leaders to govern with fairness, justice and compassion, stressing that the welfare of citizens should remain a priority.
According to the Ooni, sustainable development would be difficult to achieve if the concerns and welfare of the people were neglected.