A Prince of Ifon-Osun, Jide Akinyooye has urged the governments at all levels to invest more in culture and traditions as way of promoting the Africa’s heritage.
Akobi-orisha as fondly called, Akinyooye stated this during his lecture themed “focusing on beauty and impacts of African Tradition as a pathway to Nigerian security and economic progression ” at the Ogun Festival on Tuesday in Ifon, Osun State.
Akinyooye said “Government is promoting all sectors in the country, they should not forget the traditions, they should help preserve the culture, so as to revive the Africa heritage and story “.
“Other Countries even appreciate our culture, so why can’t we promote it and see it as a National Value ” he said.
He also noted that it was important for Yorubas to promote the culture, adding that “The Ogun, Sango, Yemoja, Obatala and some others gods were human beings in the olden days and God created them as humans, they are not foreigners and we are promoting this culture to remember their characters, behavior and other attributes that God gave them.
He also emphasised that the Ogun festival was to celebrate truth.
“History told us that Ogun was a warrior in his time, and he doesn’t like lies, if we worship Ogun, all forms of crisis will end. This was a way the government can find solution to insecurity.
Speaking on the celebration, Akinyooye said the festival is a yearly celebration in Ifon-Osun.
“The Ogun festival is done yearly, and its for seven days, and in between those 7 days, the community people will come together as one and the important household like the hunters families, Ile Olode, Olode oye, Olode Afin, Olode Elesin and so on. They will all celebrate their festivals.
“Then all the people from ile Onsokun and Omo Alawe, Omo Ile Ojamolapa will come together to the Ogun shrine and pray. Then the masquerade will come out to offer sacrifices and pray for the people , “he said.
It was a glamorous event as several people from all walks of life trooped out be part of celebration.
Traditional and cultural displays were used to entertain the elated guests.
