Ibaland Comes Alive As Eburu Celebrates 5th Oriki Yoruba Cultural Festival Featuring Yemi Elebuibon, "Odidere Ayekooto, Ajobiewe, Other Veteran Yoruba Poets
By: Olufemi Orunsola
The ancient town of Ibaland in Ifelodun local government area of Osun state, Nigeria is billed to come alive as the Eburu of Ibaland, Oba Prof. Adekunle Adeogun Oyedeji II rolls out the drums in celebration of the fifth edition of Yoruba Festival under the auspices of Eburu Adekunle Yoruba Cultural Renaissance from today.
A press statement made available to OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News by Chaiman Organizing Committee, Mr. Fatai Adiyeloja revealed that, "Since its debut in 2020 , Oba Adekunle Adeogun has left no one in doubt of his resolve to mobilize human and material resources in putting Ibaland on the global map by unearthing, promoting and sustaining the age long history, tradition and culture of the Yoruba race as its chief custodian using the hitherto popular but fast disappearing Oriki Yoruba as the flagship."
It further noted that, "On annual basis, culture connoisseurs, historians, frontline academics , traditional rulers thespians , seasoned and budding poets/chanters and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm converge in Iba to showcase the enviable Yoruba culture, taking advantage of the serene and welcoming Ibaland sandwiched between Inisa and Ikirun , in Osun state," adding that the Oriki Yoruba Festival has not only evolved but it has gone to stay.
Adiyeloja stated that, "Beyond the artistic expression, Oriki Yoruba has been beaming its searchlight on the touristic potentials of Iba endowed with an avalanche of mountains, flora and fauna."
According to the Organizing Committee Chairman, "This year's celebration in keeping with tradition will commence with Mountaineering Day on Friday 13th Dec noting that the traditional ruler of Ibaland, His Royal Majesty, the Eburu who is also the Pro-Chancellor, Atiba University, has already made arrangements to host interested individuals and corporate organizations the World over who may be keen on savouring the warm hospitality of Iba indigenes as they arrive in Ibaland from Thursday 12th December, 2024."
He recalled that the yearly lecture, which had in the past featured Dr. Tunde Adegbola , culture activist and founder Alt-i, Prof. Rom Kalilu , Vice Chancellor Ladoke Akintola University, Prof Siyan Oyefeso Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing council OAU, Prof .4 Gbemi Adeoti, former Dean Faculty of Arts , Obafemi Awolowo University and Prof Duro Adeleke of the department of Linguistics and African Languages will be delivered by Prof . Olukoya Ogen , Director UNESCO UNIOSUN Project on Cultural Diversity and Director of Innovation Management, Osun state University on the D-Day 14th December 2024 at Iyaniwura palace , Iba.
Adiyeloja revealed that at this year's celebration, "It is the turn of Pa Olatunbosun Oladapo "Odidere Ayekooto the veteran poet to join the pantheon of honorees which include but not limited to Pa Alabi Ogundepo , Ajobiewe, Baba Wande Eesa Iragbiji Muraina Oyelami the world renowned multi-gifted artiste, Araba Yemi Elebuibon and seasoned actor Kola Oyewo this season".
He therefore, on behalf of the monarch of Ibaland, Osun state,Oba Prof. Adekunle Adeogun Oyedeji II welcomes all culture enthusiasts, tourists, sons and daughters of Ibaland at home and abroad as well as corporate brands to the 2024 edition of the 5th Oriki Yoruba Cultural Festival.
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