Economic Prosperity: Plans Underway to Rejuvenate Ogbomosoland Cultural Heritage, Says Former Presidential Aide

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Former Special Adviser on Information and Culture to former President Muhammadu Buhari, now Chair, Ogbomosoland Committee for Arts and Culture, Prince Williams Adeleye, has revealed plans are underway to rejuvenate the cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland.

This will also include showcasing its cultural values to the outside world, with the intent of promoting peace, creating jobs, and developing the city economically.
Ogbomosoland consists of five local government councils in Oyo State. They are Ogbomos South LGA, Ogbomoso North LGA, Surulere LGA, Ogo Oluwa LGA and Orire LGA.

Speaking with THISDAY in Ilorin over the weekend on the sideline of the recent meeting of the committee, Adeleye stated: “Many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, have thrived on tourism.

“And we are aligning with the position of the federal and state governments in promoting domestic tourism, arts and culture.
“Apart from the rich cultural heritage, Ogbomosoland is blessed with a wealth of tourism potential, historical relics, and artifacts, including ancient palaces, shrines, cultural festivals, deities, masquerades, and various forms of cuisine that attract both local and foreign visitors”.

“Ajomogbodo, the Egungun that is supernaturally capable of sitting comfortably in air or space without the aid of a stool or chair, Danafojura, whose mystery is bathing in fire while shouting of cold, Ayilere whose attribute is wallowing in any available muddy water; Arenugbongi with a mouth protruding like birds’ beak, the energetic Lobanika, the king’s Egungun that brandishes poisoned sword and many more are still much more around and they will display during the festival.

“Festivals are celebrated annually in Ogbomosoland. The Egungun festival and Odun Oole Oba, a special cuisine festival, have been particularly popular, attracting tourists from both within and outside the country.

“We are now working towards rejuvenating the cultural heritage and showcasing it to the world, with the intent of promoting peace, creating jobs, and developing the city economically”.
He therefore said that, the committee has lined up series of activities scheduled to hold between December 19 and 24, 2024 in the town so as to showcase the cultural and tourism potentials of Ogbomosoland.