Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and renowned Ifa priest Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon have called on the Osun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support the development of the Obatala grove into a major heritage and tourist destination. They made this appeal during the maiden Obatala Festival held in Ifon-Orolu, Osun State.
The festival was jointly organized by His Royal Majesty, the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom, Oba Peter Ipadeola, and the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), which is promoted by Iba Adams. While canvassing for state government support to expand the festival, Adams expressed his vision of transforming the Obatala grove into a premier heritage and tourist site capable of attracting millions of devotees from around the world, including those in Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.
Adams highlighted the economic and social benefits of the festival, noting its role in drawing visitors from across Yorubaland and beyond, thereby boosting cultural tourism and local businesses. He urged the community to take pride in hosting the festival and encouraged religious tolerance among all faiths in Osun State, emphasizing respect for Obatala worshippers.
Describing the festival as more than a cultural event, Adams called it a sacred act of remembrance and renewal that reconnects the Yoruba people with their roots and heritage. He stressed that the festival promotes spiritual strength, communal harmony, and the transmission of Yoruba values to future generations. Adams praised the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu for his dedication to reviving and sustaining Yoruba traditions through festivals like the Obatala festival, pledging to support the Olufon and his people in harnessing the full potential of the festival for cultural preservation, peace, and prosperity in Yorubaland.
On his part, the Olufon sought the support of more stakeholders, including the state government, in celebrating and promoting the rich legacy of Obatala for generations to come.
In his address, guest speaker and renowned Ifa priest Elebuibon highlighted Obatala’s revered status as the divine architect of humanity and a symbol of wisdom, purity, justice, and moral uprightness in Yoruba cosmology. He recounted the historical migration of Obatala’s descendants to Ifon Orolu, explaining how the kingdom’s name reflects the spiritual guidance received through Ifa divination. Elebuibon called on stakeholders, including traditional rulers, guests, and sons and daughters of Ifon Orolu, to continue preserving Yoruba culture and the spiritual significance of Obatala.
Earlier, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Special Adviser on Cultural Affairs, Prince Lukman Ayodeji, popularly known as Sango of Africa, eulogized Oba Ipadeola for his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and heritage through the celebration of the Obatala Festival.
