Prominent Yoruba traditional rulers have called on sons and daughters of Yoruba race across Nigeria and the diaspora to actively preserve and promote their cultural heritage, warning against the erosion of values due to modern influences.
The monarchs made this call on Monday during the Obalufon Festival held on Monday, in Ido-Osun. The event drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, chiefs, and residents who came together to celebrate the revered ancestor and reaffirm their commitment to cultural preservation.
Speaking with our correspondent, Oba Olayinka Jokotola, the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, explained that the significance of the festival to the community was to celebrate and honour the Forebears.
“Our progenitor, Obalufon, was both the 4th and 6th Ooni of Ife. After his reign, he embarked on a journey that led to the establishment of several communities, Obalufon fathered many children who later established towns such as Eremo Ijesa, Efon Alaye, Aworo, and others. He noted that the Obalufon Festival is a way to remember and honor their forebears.
“This festival is not just a ritual it is a cultural celebration to appreciate what our ancestors contributed to humanity. Today, we celebrate their lives, and I urge other kings and communities to emulate this tradition. As traditional rulers, we are custodians of culture,” he said.
Jokotola also debunked misconceptions that such festivals are fetish. “There is nothing fetish about honoring your ancestors. Obalufon is not an idol. He is our forefather. We must keep telling our stories, dancing, and celebrating where we come from,” he added.
The monarch explained that the day also marks the beginning of the new yam season in the region. “Though new yams are in the markets, we celebrate this day to officially welcome and bless the new harvest,” he said.
Oba Oladele Olasoji Ajilesoro, the Sooko Adimula Obalufon of Ile-Ife, emphasized the need for cultural education to begin at home while also encouraging parents to teach their children the indigenous language.
“There are many ways we can preserve our culture. One of the most important is within the household, I want to admonish all sons and daughters of Otu Ojire to speak Yoruba at home.
“We must also continue to showcase the indigenous festivals handed down by our forefathers. These festivals are not fetish they are cultural, and they are phenomenal, ” he explained.
Oba Olasoji disclosed that African tradition is uniquely vibrant and influential globally.
“Everywhere you go in the world, you will see a touch of African culture, whether in clothing, folklore, drama, or values. Our culture reflects our attitude, norms, and identity, so let’s continue to preserve our cultures and festivals” he added.
While speaking on the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Ido-Osun, Ajilesoro narrated that “the ancient monarch, Obalufon, serves as a cultural link. Oral tradition holds that Obalufon was the third Ooni of Ife, succeeded by his son, Alayemore, who helped spread Yoruba influence across many regions.
Oba Michael Adebowale Ajayi, the Elerimo of Erimo-Ijesha, who identified as a direct descendant of Obalufon, shed more light on the revered monarch’s influence on Yoruba culture.
“Obalufon is very important in our history. He was the first king to wear Adire fabric, now symbolic of royal identity in Ile-Ife. He also introduced the use of royal beads by kings,” Obalufon also found the largest and widest several kingdoms including Erinmo Ido-Osun, Efon Alaye, Igbara-Oke, Remo in Ogun State, and Epe in Lagos State. “Obalufon was the Ooni of Ife twice. His father, who reigned for 400 years, remains the longest-reigning monarch in Yoruba history,” he said.
Ajayi stressed that kings must understand the significance of their thrones. “To be a king is to be a custodian of culture. You must uphold and improve the standards laid down by our forebears,” he said.
He warned against abandoning tradition in the name of modernization. “Yes, we live in a dynamic world, but we must not change our culture. As kings, we must ask ourselves why we are on the throne. If our ancestors could preserve and improve our values, then we must take it even further.”
Oba Jokotola led other monarchs to the shrine of the Obalufon to offer prayers and offerings for the community.
The festival commenced on the 30th of July, and it is expected to have its grand finale on the 16th of August.
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