The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called for greater investment in the cultural heritage of Ile-Ife, saying the ancient city’s rich history, monuments and traditions can be harnessed to drive tourism, employment, enterprise and economic development.
In a statement by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said Gov. Adeleke made the call on Saturday through his Deputy, Kola Adewusi, who represented him at the grand finale of the 2026 Olojo Cultural Festival in Ile-Ife.
The colourful celebration climaxed with the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, adorning the sacred Are Crown, which forms a significant part of the annual Olojo traditional observance.
After adorning the crown, the Ooni embarked on the traditional procession from his palace to Oke Mogun, accompanied by a large crowd of indigenes, residents, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from different parts of Nigeria and abroad.
At Oke Mogun, the Ooni performed traditional rites associated with the festival, in a symbolic commemoration of the ancient connection between Oduduwa, Ile-Ife and Ogun.
Speaking at the event, Adewusi congratulated the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife for the successful celebration, stressing that Olojo remained an important platform for preserving the history, culture and traditions of the Yoruba people.
He said, “We all seek for the growth and development of Ile-Ife. We should put Ife first in all sectors.”
The Deputy Governor appreciated the Ooni for his leadership and fatherly role, as well as for providing another opportunity for the people of Ile-Ife and visitors from across the world to celebrate and promote the city’s heritage.
According to him, Olojo serves as a bridge between generations by connecting contemporary society with the wisdom, traditions and values inherited from the ancestors.
“For us, Olojo represents a return to the source. It is the time to remember where we come from, to honour our ancestors and to reaffirm the values and traditions that sustain our people across generations.
“Our culture is one of our greatest assets. We must preserve it and present it to the world. Our heritage can become a powerful driver for tourism, employment and enterprise,” he said.
Adewusi further noted that Ile-Ife possessed numerous historical sites, monuments and cultural attractions capable of attracting tourists and creating economic opportunities for residents if properly preserved and developed.
He commended the Ooni for his efforts in giving Ile-Ife greater visibility on the global cultural map through the promotion of Olojo and other initiatives aimed at connecting the ancient city with the wider world.
“Ile-Ife has many destinations and assets. It has history and monuments. We should preserve these assets.
“Under the leadership of the Ooni, Olojo has gained wider recognition and has become an important platform for cultural expression, tourism and economic opportunity.
“Your efforts to connect the heritage of Ile-Ife to the wider world demonstrate that traditional institutions can continue to play a significant role in contemporary society,” Adewusi said.
Foreign Tourists, Others Storm Ile-Ife
The 2026 Olojo Festival also attracted cultural enthusiasts and tourists from different parts of the world, including visitors from Canada, Brazil and South Africa.
Their presence added an international dimension to the celebration and further highlighted the growing interest in Ile-Ife’s cultural heritage among members of the African diaspora and other international visitors.
Ooni Prays for Nigeria
The Ooni had earlier dedicated the spiritual activities of the 2026 Olojo Festival to prayers for Nigeria, seeking peace, unity, healing and sustainable progress for the country.
The Ooni urged all stakeholders across Nigeria to embrace unity, stressing that cooperation remained essential to achieving meaningful development.
He also prayed for Nigerians across the country, calling for divine intervention, national healing and recovery.
The Ooni urged Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance and love, while rising above ethnic and religious differences.
“I am praying for Nigeria and for Nigerians. I seek Olodumare’s mercy upon this land. May we all experience peace, unity, progress and the blessings of the Almighty.
“To the sons and daughters of Oduduwa everywhere, I urge you: be peaceful, be united and let us work together for progress,” the Ooni said.
He also appealed to political leaders to govern with fairness, justice and compassion, stressing that the welfare of citizens must remain a major priority in governance.
According to him, no society can achieve sustainable development when the concerns and welfare of its people are neglected.
Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For; Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.
