The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged traditional rulers across the South-West to promote Yoruba culture and tradition.
He made the call during the 2025 Okota Festival, organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation, in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State, where he spoke as one of the key speakers.
He warned that any race that ignores their tradition does so at their own peril.
According to him, traditional rulers must fulfil their responsibilities as custodians of Yoruba heritage.
Adams said, “The state government and traditional institutions need to do a lot more in promoting our culture and tradition.
“Globally, there is a clear distinction between religion, culture and tradition. Any race or people who abandon their heritage do so at their peril.
“The importance of preserving our identity as a people cannot be overstated. We must emulate Asian countries whose commitment to cultural values has driven their technological and economic development.”
He specifically urged the Ondo State Government to upgrade the Okota Festival to a nationally recognised event, saying such recognition would help elevate the Okota River site to a world-acclaimed heritage and global tourism destination, akin to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
Adams said Yorubaland is richly endowed with tourism and heritage sites capable of transforming its economy if properly developed.
“If fully harnessed, these sites can serve as catalysts for the development of host communities and states. If the government does the needful, tourists from across the world will be drawn to these destinations,” he said.
He also appealed to all traditional rulers in Akoko land to step up efforts to promote and celebrate their deities and ancestral heritage
“As the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and a proud son of Akoko land, I am ready to support any traditional ruler committed to advancing the tradition and culture of his kingdom,” Adams added.
Other speakers at the event also charged the Ondo State Government to prioritise the promotion of cultural festivals and traditional heritage.
They included the Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Victor Adetona, and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun.
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