Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and renowned Ifa priest, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, have called on Osun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support the Obatala grove to become a major heritage and tourist site.

They made the call at the maiden Obatala Festival in Ifon-Orolu, Osun State. The festival was jointly organised by His Royal Majesty, the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom, Oba Peter Ipadeola, and the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), being promoted by Iba Adams.

While canvassing the support of the state government to expand the festival, Adams said he envisioned the Obatala grove as a major heritage and tourist site that could attract millions of devotees worldwide, including those in Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States.

Adams underscored the economic and social benefits of the festival, noting its role in attracting 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, emphasising 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 to harness 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 to preserve 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, eulogised Oba Ipadeola for his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and heritage through the celebration of the Obatala Festival.