Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has assured the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, and the leadership of the Oodua People’s Congress(OPC) that the state government will support the promotion of culture by the OPC.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Oodua Festival in Ile Ife Osun State, Adeleke, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Cultural Affairs, Prince Ayodeji Lukman Wahab, said the Osun State government was impressed by the consistent efforts of the OPC in driving the cultural promotion activities in Yoruba land as well as improving the tourism potential of the region.
Ayodeji urged members of the OPC not to relent in their efforts, noting that Yoruba is rich in culture and tradition.
“OPC, under the leadership of Iba Gani Adams has been doing the best for our race. On our part, the Osun State Government will continue to support the cultural promotion initiatives of the OPC. Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also charged Yoruba Obas to see themselves as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition. Oba Adeyeye, who was represented at the event by the Obalufe of Ife,Oba Idowu Adediwura, said it is the responsibility of Yoruba Obas to promote the culture of the Yoruba everywhere and at all times.
“Yoruba Obas are the custodians of our race. It is our responsibility as Obas to do our very best to project the culture and tradition of Yoruba race. Yoruba Obas should be ready to embrace everything that has to do with our race.
Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, in his speech, said both the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Oodua Progressive Union ( OPU) have been doing their best to project the cultural identity of Yoruba race both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
“OPU is now in 102 countries across the six continents of the world. Delegates come to Nigeria every year to participate in the world congress.
“Today, we are commissioning the Oodua Hall at the Grove as part of our contributions to the progress and development of Ile Ife, our ancestral home,” he said.