The Olojudo of Ido-Osun Alayemore, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotola, has called on sons and daughters of the ancient town to remain committed to preserving their cultural heritage, saying traditional festivals remain a vital part of Yoruba identity and history.
Speaking during the Osun Olojudo Traditional Festival held in Ido-Osun, Osun State, the monarch said the annual celebration was instituted to preserve the customs and traditions handed down by the forefathers and ensure they are passed on to future generations.
The festival attracted indigenes of Ido-Osun from across Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies and cultural enthusiasts.
Oba Jokotola explained that the festival is one of the reasons the community bears the name Ido-Osun, noting that it celebrates the town’s historical and spiritual connection with the Osun tradition.
According to him, the gathering provides an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their roots while educating young people on the importance of preserving their cultural identity.
“Our forefathers tried enough to bequeath this rich cultural heritage to us. It is now our responsibility as traditional rulers and custodians of our culture to ensure that it does not go into extinction,” the monarch said.
He commended sons and daughters of Ido-Osun who travelled from within and outside Nigeria to celebrate the festival, urging them to remain committed to promoting the community’s cultural values.
The royal father also revealed plans to seek international recognition for the festival.
“Our vision is that within the next five years, the United Nations will recognise and adopt this festival because of its historical and cultural significance,” he said.
Reacting to recurring reports of disagreements among traditional rulers in Yorubaland, Oba Jokotola dismissed suggestions of any crisis.
“I don’t believe there is any crisis among traditional rulers. We all recognise the Ooni of Ife as our traditional leader across Yorubaland. Most of the stories about divisions are created by social media users who are trying to set a different agenda and create unnecessary narratives,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chief Mrs Faderera Osunpida, popularly known as Osunweda and the Yeye Osun of Ido-Osun, traced the historical origin of the Osun tradition, explaining that the Obalufon celebration in Ido-Osun shares deep historical links with the globally celebrated Osun-Osogbo Festival.
She explained that the Ido-Osun celebration traditionally precedes the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, describing it as a pre-Osun festival that reflects the historical journey of the Osun deity.
“The festival in Ido-Osun and the Osun-Osogbo Festival are connected historically. This celebration comes before the Osun-Osogbo Festival, and it is important that our people identify with this culture because it is our way of life,” she said.
She thanked God for another successful celebration and urged the people to continue protecting their cultural heritage.
The Area Commander in Osogbo, SP Babatunde Imoleayo, described the event as a peaceful celebration of Yoruba customs and traditions.
“Before the advent of Christianity and Islam, our traditions were the way of life. Festivals like this help preserve our customs and also encourage peace, unity and social responsibility among our people,” he said.
The senior police officer appealed to Nigerians to respect one another’s religious beliefs, stressing that everyone should be free to practise the religion of their choice.
“Whether you are a Christian, Muslim or traditional worshipper, religion is a personal choice. Everyone should be allowed to practise what works for them, while we all continue to live together peacefully,” he added.
Also speaking, the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Ojo Abiodun Bankole, popularly known as Fafa, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting and preserving its cultural heritage.
“We are doing our best as a government to promote our culture because it is our identity. It defines who we are and where we come from. We are creating an enabling environment through improved security and infrastructure for people to enjoy these cultural festivals,” he said.
Bankole noted that after participating in the Osun Olojudo in Ido-Osun, the state government would also join the Ataoja of Osogbo for the forthcoming Osun-Osogbo Festival.
He urged residents to take pride in their heritage rather than dismissing traditional festivals.
“Our culture is not devilish; it is our identity. Countries like Britain, America and Brazil celebrate their cultural heritage with pride. We must also preserve and promote ours for future generations,” the commissioner said.
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