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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the Ondo State Government and traditional rulers to leverage the state’s rich cultural heritage to promote tourism and drive socio-economic development.
Adams made the call at the 2026 Okota Festival held at the Palace Square in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.
He said institutionalising the Okota Festival, alongside other cultural festivals and heritage sites, would boost tourism, create employment, stimulate local businesses and position Ondo State as a leading cultural destination in Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, promoting cultural tourism remains a viable strategy for sustainable economic growth and community development.
“Although the Okota Festival is primarily a spiritual celebration in honour of the benevolent Okota River goddess, renowned for her healing powers and historical significance during pre-colonial conflicts, it has grown beyond spirituality to become a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture, history and unity,” Adams said.
Drawing comparisons with the internationally acclaimed Osun-Osogbo Festival, he said the Okota Festival has the potential to become a major cultural attraction capable of drawing visitors from across Nigeria and abroad.
He noted that the influx of tourists during the festival creates economic opportunities for traders, artisans, transport operators and hospitality businesses, generating millions of naira for the local economy.
Adams also called on governments across the Southwest to invest in the preservation and development of cultural heritage sites, describing them as valuable assets that can attract global tourism and accelerate grassroots development.
He further appealed to traditional rulers to remain steadfast in preserving Yoruba customs and traditions, stressing that culture is the foundation of identity, unity and social cohesion.
Speaking at the event, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, commended Adams, the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for sustaining the annual celebration of the Okota Festival.
The monarch also urged residents and indigenes of Arigidi-Akoko to continue to embrace peace and unity, saying harmonious coexistence remains essential for the community’s growth and development.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Daniel Omolola, described the festival as a celebration of Arigidi-Akoko’s rich history and Yoruba cultural heritage.
He called on sons and daughters of Akokoland, both at home and in the diaspora, to establish an annual cultural gathering similar to the renowned Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebuland.
According to him, such a festival would unite Akoko people, strengthen cultural identity and provide a platform for socio-economic advancement across the region.
Also speaking, the Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko, His Royal Majesty Oba Owa Ale, described the Okota Festival as a commendable initiative and sought the support of the Olokun Festival Foundation in developing a similar cultural festival in Ikare-Akoko.
The monarch disclosed that traditional rulers across Akokoland were already consulting on introducing more cultural festivals within their respective domains to preserve Yoruba traditions while promoting spiritual, cultural and economic development.
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