A prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi land in Isokan South Local Council Development Council Area, Oba Yisau Bantale has called on government at all level as well as stakeholders on culture and tradition to demonstrate their unflinching and unalloyed support to the annual “Osun-Ikoyi Festival” of the ancient town and other traditional festivals in Yorubaland.
The Olukoyi made this call during a community forum to herald this year “Osun-Ikoyi Annual Festival” which has already commenced on Wednesday, the 11th of October with traditional fire wood to be displayed by all women in the ancient town.
Oba Otunla emphasised that, it is imperative for government, other stakeholders and international organisations to wade in and contribute their quotas to the development of the festival.
Olukoyi said, “I want government at all level, individuals, NGOs, Stakeholders and foreign organisations to collaborate with us (Ikoyi) in uplifting the presence status of our annual festival “Osun-Ikoyi” as their contributions cannot be over emphasized”.
While speaking on the festival, the Olukoyi said, “It is a pure cultural and traditional festival for the remembrance of their forefathers that founded the ancient town while the annual celebration of the festival usually brings sons and daughters of the town, home and diaspora together while it also attracts people from far and near.
According to Olukoyi, “Highlights of the festival which started on Wednesday with traditional fire woods by women includes, installation of Chiefs and a night party on Friday the 13th (today), while receiving of visitors hold from morning till evening on Sunday 15th, followed by trip to Osun river (Asejire) in the evening where special prayers would be offered for the town, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
“There is going to be reception for the Baloguns and Baales at the palace on Monday, 16th while football march would hold at Community Middle School, Palace road, Ikoyi on Thursday, 15th with “ Ireje” hold on Saturday 21st to round off the festival “, The traditional ruler stated.
Oluwapelumi Fasoyin and Yusuf Abdulfatai
