Indigenes and residents of Isinbode-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have celebrated the annual Odun Ogun Festival in a colourful display of culture, tradition, unity and communal spirit.
The celebration, which followed the Odun Oba Onisin Ndade held the previous day, attracted a large gathering of indigenes, residents, friends and well-wishers, including Isinbode indigenes living abroad who returned home to celebrate with the traditional ruler and the people of the community.
In a statement issued by Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi, a seasoned journalist and indigene of Isinbode-Ekiti, the festival was described as an important cultural occasion that reinforces the community’s rich historical heritage and promotes unity among its people.
The traditional rites of the Ogun Festival were performed earlier in the day by the leadership of Egbegun and Elegbe Ilu, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the ancient community. The rainfall that accompanied the celebration further added colour and excitement to the annual cultural event.
Monarch Calls for Promotion of Cultural Heritage
Speaking during the celebration, the Onisin of Isinbode-Ekiti, His Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Emmanuel Adesoji Akinyemi, urged governments at all levels to give greater attention to the preservation, promotion and development of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
The monarch also appealed to government authorities to ensure the inclusion of qualified Isinbode indigenes in positions of responsibility and authority, noting that the community has capable sons and daughters who can contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
Oba Akinyemi further encouraged the people of Isinbode-Ekiti to invest more in agriculture, describing farming as an important avenue for economic empowerment, food security and sustainable community development.
He also urged parents and guardians to prioritise the education of their children and support them in attaining higher education.
According to the monarch, the Ogun Festival symbolises the beginning of another traditional calendar year for the town and provides an opportunity for the people to reflect on their shared heritage, achievements, challenges and future aspirations.
Youth Leader Calls for Peaceful Coexistence
The Head of Youth in the community, Comrade Akin Alabi, called on youths and residents of Isinbode-Ekiti to embrace peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the increasing presence of people from different ethnic backgrounds in the community makes unity, mutual respect and understanding essential for sustainable development.
Alabi urged the youths to shun violence, intolerance and all actions capable of threatening the peace and security of the community.
Ogunyebi Urges Political Class to Embrace Peace
Also speaking on the occasion, Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi, a seasoned journalist and Special Assistant on Media to Hon. Harrison Olaniyi Alonge (HOA), urged politicians and political actors to embrace peace, tolerance and the rule of law as political activities and campaigns gather momentum.
Ogunyebi, who is also the Convener of the Isinbode Political Forum (IPF), stressed the need for political activities in the community to be conducted with maturity, tolerance and respect for one another, irrespective of political affiliation.
He called on the illustrious sons and daughters of Isinbode-Ekiti to support the developmental agenda of the community as championed by the traditional institution under the leadership of His Majesty, Oba Barr. Emmanuel Adesoji Akinyemi, the Onisin of Isinbode-Ekiti.
According to him, the development of Isinbode-Ekiti should not be left to government or the traditional institution alone, but must be regarded as a collective responsibility of all indigenes and residents, both at home and in the diaspora.
He emphasised that religion, political affiliation or ethnic background should not become barriers to collective efforts aimed at improving the wellbeing, infrastructure, education, agriculture and overall development of Isinbode-Ekiti.
Ogunyebi congratulated the people of Isinbode-Ekiti on the successful celebration of the Ogun Festival and called for continued unity, peace and commitment to the progress and prosperity of the community.
Aseyi samọdún, Kabiyesi
