Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has assured the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, that the entire people of Egba land will support the Oodua People’s Congress in celebrating the Olumo festival.
Oba Adedotun gave the assurances at the weekend during the 2024 edition of Olumo festival held at the Olumo Rock, Ikija, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Egba monarch said efforts should be made to support the cultural promotion activities of the OPC, saying Iba Gani Adams has done well in projecting the cultural identity of the Yoruba race.
He maintained also that Yoruba will always be proud of the role Iba Gani Adams has been playing in Yoruba land.
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“By next year, we will support the OPC in celebrating the Olumo festival.The OPC under the leadership of Aare Gani Adams has been wonderful celebrating the Olumo and Lisabi festival with us here in Abeokuta.
“We appreciate their efforts and roles especially with the huge amount injected in accommodations and feeding of their members.
Olumo and Lisabi are worth celebrating and we will continue to improve on our efforts in using those two prominent festivals to drive the state economy”.
Meanwhile, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams applauded the efforts of the Alake of Egba land for using his revered stool to sustain the culture and tradition of the Egba people.
He gave insights into how the Olumo has been a spiritual abode for the people of Egba, saying the people of Egba will continue to enjoy the blessings of God and that of their ancestors.
“Egba history is rich with the Olumo rock as a protective abode. Olumo rock is historic in nature. It has the healing potential. We are here celebrating Olumo rock because it gives wealth. We are celebrating Olumo rock because it is for prosperity. We are celebrating Olumo rock because it opens the womb of the barren and helps against infertility.
“We are celebrating Olumo rock because it is an abode for peace. We are celebrating Olumo rock because it is an abode for protection. Olumo rock is a big testimony for the progress of Egba land.
“Memories of how the Olumo rock had protected the people of Egba against their enemies during wars are still fresh in our memories. It is a potential tourism destination that needs to be transformed. Olumo rock needs a facelift.
“For instance, Papaya tourism site is a popular tourism destination in Thailand. It is Bangkok’s largest and most popular park built on 58 hectares of land. Papaya tourism destination is very attractive with every facility that attracts tourists.
“Papaya tourism site usually plays host to several tourists from all over the world. And the Thai economy is reaping the reward of such biggest tourism investments.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to Kabiesi, Alake of Egba land, to press it on the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to bring Olumo rock to life. Bringing such an historic rock to life is beyond festivals and visits. It can be better than what we have at the moment,” he said.
No fewer than 10 traditional rulers, members of the Egba in Council and prominent dignitaries were in attendance at the event.
Other members of the OPC that graced the occasion included members of the National Executive Council (NEC) and members of the National Coordinating Councillor (NCC).
