The 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 (OPC) in celebrating the Olumo festival.
Oba Gbadebo gave these assurances during the 2024 edition of the Olumo festival, held at Olumo Rock, Ikija, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, over the weekend.
The monarch stated that Iba Gani Adams had done well in projecting the cultural identity of the Yoruba race, emphasizing that the Yoruba people would always be proud of his role in the land. He urged efforts to support the cultural promotion activities of the OPC.
“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 in celebrating the Olumo and Lisabi festivals with us here in Abeokuta. We appreciate their efforts and roles, especially the substantial contributions made towards accommodations and feeding for their members.
“Olumo and Lisabi are worth celebrating, and we will continue to improve our efforts in using these two prominent festivals to drive the state’s economy,” Oba Gbadebo said.
Meanwhile, Iba Adams has applauded the efforts of the Alake of Egba land, Oba Gbadebo, for using his revered stool to sustain the culture and tradition of the Egba people.
Adams provided insights into how Olumo had been a spiritual abode for the people of Egba, stating that the people would continue to enjoy the blessings of God and those of their ancestors.
The Yoruba generalissimo emphasized that Olumo Rock was being celebrated as an abode for peace and a testimony to the progress of Egba land. He noted that memories of how Olumo Rock had protected the people of Egba against their enemies during wars were still fresh in people’s minds.
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According to him, Olumo Rock is a potential tourism destination that needs transformation, urging the Alake of Egba land, Oba Gbadebo, to impress upon the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to bring Olumo Rock to life.
“Egba history is rich with Olumo Rock as a protective abode. Olumo Rock is historic in nature. It has healing potential. We are here celebrating Olumo Rock because it brings wealth, prosperity, and aids against infertility.
“We are celebrating Olumo Rock because it is an abode for peace and protection. It is a big testimony to the progress of Egba land. Memories of how Olumo Rock protected the people of Egba against their enemies during wars are still fresh in our minds. It is a potential tourism destination that needs a facelift,” Adams stated.
“For instance, the Papaya tourism site is a popular destination in Thailand, Bangkok’s largest park built on 58 hectares of land. The Papaya tourism destination is very attractive, with facilities that draw tourists from around the world. It hosts several tourists, contributing to Thailand’s thriving economy through significant tourism investments.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to Kabiesi, the Alake of Egba land, to urge Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to bring Olumo Rock to life. Bringing such a historic rock to life goes beyond festivals and visits; it can be improved beyond our current situation,” he said.
No fewer than 10 traditional rulers, members of the Egba-in-Council, and prominent dignitaries attended the event. Other members of the OPC present included members of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Coordinating Councilor (NCC).
