By Richard Ayinde, Osogbo.
Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has been praised for his people oriented programmes to the people of the state as well as his love towards the promotion of culture and tradition.
The Obalokun of Osun State, Chief Teslim Raji, a.k.a. Akerele made this commendation on Friday during the celebration of his annual “Ifa Festival” at Ikoyi in Isokan South Local Council Development Area of Osun State.
The traditionalist who was highly elated said, since Governor Oyetola assumed the office, his administration always works towards transformation of the citizens and promote culture and tradition.
According to Akerele who enjoined people of the state not to relent in supporting the incumbent administration led by Governor Oyetola, “Mr Governor is a man of tradition and culture”.
Akerele also admonished the entire Yoruba nation to rise up to the challenge of protecting its cultural values, while expressing great concern that the Yoruba tradition is gradually going into extinction.
While welcoming the guests, Akerele said the reason for the annual celebration of the Ifa festival was to promote the Yoruba culture and tradition, praying for Mr Governor, Ikoyi Community, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
His words, “I think we can see how other countries of the world always cherish their culture and tradition.
In Brazil, Cuba and even in South Africa, people value their traditional heritage and that has really helped them as a people, but here in Nigeria, it is a different thing entirely.
We should stop our habit of looking down on our tradition and culture while other governors in the Yoruba race should emulate Governor Oyetola in promoting tradition and culture”.
Akerele, who used the colourful event to appreciate the traditional ruler of the town, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi land, Oba Yisau Bantale Oyetunji Otunla, Kodaolu 1, the Olukoyi in Council and other prominent sons and daughters of the ancient community appreciated the people who attended his Ifa Festival.
