Tourism: Osun Govt. Urges Tourists To Visit Ika Palace
In line with the aspiration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to boost the economy of the State through the promotion of Culture and Tourism, the Governor has again charged tourists, from far and near, to always visit Ika Palace in Ejigbo, Ejigbo South Local Council Development Authority, of the State, to savour the beauty of the tourist site.
Governor Oyetola gave the charge in Ika Palace while inspecting the tourists’ site which is undergoing full restoration to the ancient structure.
The Governor who spoke through the Supervising Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Engr. Olalekan Badmus said the site is significant to the history of Ila-Orangun, asserting that Tourism in Osun will never be complete without making allusion to the palace.
He further stressed that the palace, when fully restored, will boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and the residents of the Area.
Governor Oyetola therefore pledged to do everything needed to make the palace a tourist destination.
The Orangun Of Ika, Oba Zakariyah Oladimeji, who could not hide his joy for witnessing the restoration of the ancient tourists’ site, expressed gratitude to the Governor, for deeming it fit to give the palace a facelift.
The monarch prayed God to grant the Governor success in all his endeavours.
Also speaking at the inspection exercise, Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife said Ika Palace is surrounded by historical facts that cannot be undermined in the history of Yorubaland.
He remarked that the palace had been abandoned for long, making it imperative for it to be fully restored for tourists’ attraction.
The Ika Palace is among the three major tourists’ sites such as the Igbo-Ifa in Ila-Orangun and Obaala’s Palace in Ilesa that are under full renovation in the State.
Present at the inspection exercise were the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Solabomi Akinsola; Executive Secretary, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Samuel Adeniyi; General Manager, Osun Tourism Board, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ajayi: Directors from the Ministry among others.
