Olukoyi Calls For Preservation Of Cultural Heritage, As Osun Annual Festival Begins

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A traditional ruler in Osun state, Oba Yisau Bantale Oyetunji Otunla, Kodaolu 1, has called on the entire Yoruba race to ensure the preservation of culture, norms and tradition of Yorubas.

Oba Otunla, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi, made the call this morning in his palace while speaking with newsmen as part of the activities to herald this year Osun-Ikoyi festival.

CityMirrorNews reports that this year annual Osun-Ikoyi festival which is billed to commence today in the ancient town of Ikoyi, Isokan LCDA will be the best of its kind as, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams is expected to be the guest of honour among other dignitaries from far and near to witness the festival.

Speaking, Oba Otunla said there was the need for Yorubas to embrace their and protect their cultural heritages so as for the Yoruba culture not to go into extinction and continue to be the reference point for the upcoming generations.

The Olukoyi who also enjoined government to implement policies that will help in promoting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba nations said people should henceforth stop running away from their culture and tradition.

According to Olukoyi, the festival “Osun-Ikoyi” is an annual festival celebrated in October of each year for them to remember the forefathers who fought for the emergence of the town about 300 years a go.

Oba Otunla who enjoined all sons and daughters of the town to celebrate the festival with peace, love and be law abiding said, this year festival is going to be a unique one as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams is expected to be the guests of honour among other dignitaries from far and near to witness the festival.

Highlight of the festival include, debate completion between the secondary school students of the town at Ikoyi City Hall, traditional fire wood by the women of the town to the palace, installation of Chiefs, health talk, Ifa night traditional Bata and Dundun dance competition and special prayers at Ikoyi-Ile, Baale Ayo and Osun groove among others.