Okota Festival Yoruba heritage calls made as leaders urge South-West governors to support cultural festivals and boost tourism through site preservation

Traditional rulers and cultural leaders have urged South-West governors to prioritise cultural festivals and heritage site preservation to protect Yoruba identity and drive economic growth.

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The appeal was made at the 2025 edition of the Okota Festival, held in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.

The event, organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation, featured key figures including the foundation’s founder and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona, and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun.

Adams called on the Ondo State Government to elevate the Okota Festival’s status and develop the Okota River site into a global cultural destination.

“Yorubaland is richly blessed with numerous heritage and tourism sites. If well developed, these sites can drive economic growth and transform our communities,” he said.

He stressed the role of traditional rulers in cultural promotion and urged them to differentiate clearly between religion, tradition, and culture. “Across the world, nations that embrace their heritage thrive. Asia is a great example,” he added.

Oba Adetona praised Adams’ cultural advocacy and announced plans to begin an annual festival in Ogbagi. He called for state backing to ensure its success.

Similarly, Oba Olanipekun appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adesoji Afolabi, for stronger institutional support.

He noted the burden faced by monarchs and called for a return to financial and material aid for traditional rulers.

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Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ogunbi Abiodun, praised the festival’s success and promised to support its 2026 edition. He encouraged monarchs to keep praying for the progress of their people.