By: Peter Emmanuel
Indigenes of Ikare Akoko home and abroad in Ondo State at weekend rolled out drums to celebrate the 2024 annual Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival, amidst pomp and pageantry.
The festival celebration led by the Owa-Ale, Oba Adeleke Adegbite- Adedoyin II, also had in attendance tourists from far and near as well as traditional rulers from other communities.
The annual festival saw jubilant residents clad in white attire as they all ascended the historic Olokemeji tako tabo hills that symbolizes resilience and unity of Ikare people from time immemorial when their progenitors first settled on the hills.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of the celebrants, the First Class traditional ruler, Owa-Ale, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin, who used the celebration to installed some chiefs in his area, underscored the significance of preserving and promoting indigenous culture and heritage for economic gains and prosperity.
The monarch who expressed delight over massive turnout of indigenes for the 2024 Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival, said people and community without identified heritage and culture would never command respect while future generations would not have an identities to be proud of.
Oba Adedoyin who described Olokemeji festival as a source of pride and identity for his people, stressed the need for government at all levels to encourage and develop cultural activities that would attract investment from tourists and investors, as a way of boosting the nation’s economy.
He, said the cultural preservation is essential, while he called on royal fathers and government leaders at all levels to actively support these efforts, noting, “our culture is our pride.”
The monarch also expressed concern over the decline of cultural practices in the face of modernization and religious shifts, reaffirming his commitment to uphold the traditions of Ikare-Akoko.
The Royal father said, “The Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Hill attracts tourists from near and far, due to its rich natural and cultural significance. Historically, this hill provided protection during inter-tribal conflicts, symbolizing our strength and resilience.”
“In Nigeria, we’ve often traded our heritage for Western ideals, which may not always serve us well,” he concluded.
Owa-Ale expressed pride and joy in the strong involvement of the people on revitalising various yoruba cultural heritage and festivals, which was clearly showcase in this year’s Olokemehi festival celebration, marking a hopeful future for cultural continuity in yorubaland.
A tourist, Barrister Peter Ijigbo, one of the festival attendees, shared a personal story of gratitude. “I came here last year with a heavy heart, but today, my prayers have been answered. This festival is a time-honored tradition, and people have been coming to this hill to pray for generations,” he said. Noting the diversity of participants, he added, “Even members of the Cherubim and Seraphim church come here to seek spiritual answers.”
Ijigbo, who said he is a Christian, encouraged both young and old to remain connected to their roots; “Despite my faith, this is our heritage, and we cannot turn our backs on it,” he said.
Razaq Abdul, known as ‘Saudi’, explained that the festival is also a time for prayers for the welfare of the agrarian community.
“This mountain served as a safe haven for our ancestors in times of war,” he noted, emphasizing the enduring cultural richness of Yorubaland. “A town without culture has no roots in Yoruba heritage.”
Prince Lateef Adegbite, reflecting on the festival’s success, acknowledged the presence of esteemed guests and emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
“If you want to erode a people’s identity, remove their culture,” he stated, pointing to the impacts of colonialism.
