Osun Reaffirms Commitment to Culture, Sacred Sites, Tourism Development

 Tobiloba-Taiwo Awofadeju

The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the state’s rich cultural heritage, sacred sites and festivals while promoting peace, tolerance and unity among people of different faiths. The government also said it would continue to harness culture and tourism as tools for job creation and sustainable development across the state.

Governor Ademola Adeleke stated this through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Bankole Ojo, during the 2026 Isese Day celebration held in Osogbo, the state Capital. The governor described his administration as a strong lover and promoter of culture, stressing that efforts would be made to preserve Osun’s traditions for future generations.

According to him, the administration would continue to support Isese culture, traditional institutions and indigenous festivals to ensure that they receive greater recognition and grow bigger every year. 

In his remarks, the President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Osun State (TRWASO), Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his six-year tenure as president of the association. He said his administration focused on protecting cultural heritage, strengthening traditional religion, promoting indigenous knowledge and ensuring that younger generations remained connected to their roots.

Speaking on the 2026 Isese Day theme, “Return of the Deities,” Atanda said leadership should be regarded as temporary while the cause remained permanent. He expressed hope that his successor would build on the achievements of his administration, correct areas that required improvement, introduce fresh ideas and take TRWASO to greater heights.

While speaking, Chairman of the 2026 Isese Day celebration, who doubles as the traditional ruler of Ifon Orolu, Oba Oluwole Ipadeola, urged Nigerians to return to the values and principles that made their ancestors great. He lamented the negative portrayal of Orisa traditions, noting that many people had been misled into associating indigenous deities and traditional worship with evil.

Also speaking during the event, Oba Hammed Oyelude Makama, Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, urged traditionalists not to allow politicians to use traditional religion for political purposes. He also appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that traditional worshippers had representation in government, saying such inclusion would help promote the recognition and appreciation of indigenous culture among younger generations.

The celebration attracted prominent traditional rulers and cultural stakeholders, including the Oni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Ogunwusi, represented by Oba Adekunle Adebowale, Agbolu Agbaje of Ife Kingdom, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Abidemi Olanipekun, represented by Oloye Ikolaba Ajiroba.

Other dignitaries included Araba Awo of Osogbo, Ifayemi Elebuibon; Sooko Awo of Osogbo Land, Baba Fagbenunsola Atanda; Yeye Meto Folashade Atanda and Araba Oladimeji Oladipupo. 

The event featured colourful cultural presentations and was attended by officials and staff of the Osun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Osun State Tourism Board and the Osun State Council for Arts and Culture.