The Oniro of Otu, His Royal Majesty Oba Sunday Oyetunde Adepoju Ayilola 111 Gbadewolu 1, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to promoting culture and tradition in Oyo State.
The monarch made this commendation with Kaseem Jenrade during the 2025 Egungun festival in the ancient town of Otu, which coincided with the visit of Oyo State Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal to the palace.
Oba Adepoju emphasized that the celebration of Egungun festival signifies freedom of religion, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that the notable change in climate during the festival and the symbolic visit of the Deputy Governor were testaments that the ancestors acknowledged the celebration.
“The ‘thank you’ visit by the Deputy Governor and the impressive turnout of Otu sons and daughters home and in diaspora, as well as the climatic change, was a good omen to the promotion of culture and tradition of Otu land,” Oba Adepoju stated.
The monarch admonished the people of Otu, particularly the Egungun devotees, to celebrate peacefully.
In his congratulatory message, the Olonko of Babaode, His Royal Majesty Oba Olusegun Adeseun Olorode, appreciated the Oniro of Otu and the entire people of Otu on the auspicious occasion.
Oba Olorode stressed that religion and culture are separate entities that should not be allowed to bring conflict among people.
“The celebration of Egungun festival should be seen as an avenue to interact and work for the progress of the community,” Oba Olorode advised, urging the people of Otu to love one another and avoid division.
The palace chiefs of Oniro of Otu, including Bashorun of Otu Chief Nihinlola Oyebanji, Odofo of Otu Chief Salaudeen Adelabu, and others, rejoiced with the Oniro and the people of Otu on the celebration.
They opined that the Egungun festival is an avenue for fun, like sports, and serves as a unifier of the three religions. The chiefs reiterated that the festival fosters unity and uncommon love without any religious sentiment, urging every son and daughter of Otu to contribute significantly to the growth and development of their fatherland.
Governor Makinde has consistently demonstrated his commitment to promoting cultural heritage in Oyo State. During the 2025 World Egungun Festival, Makinde stated that cultural development remains a top priority under his administration’s “Omituntun 2.0” initiative.
He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, noting that it can help expand the state’s economy through cultural tourism.
The state government has initiated moves to enlist the Egungun Festival in UNESCO’s list of recognized cultural activities, which would further boost the state’s economy.