The Ijebu Lokan Fun Itesiwaju Ijebu movement has expressed what it said was profound disappointment regarding the recent announcement by the Ojude Oba Organizing Committee appointing Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the Chairman of the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival.
The group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Comrade Mebude, said the decision not only disrespects Ijebu cultural heritage ‘but also undermines the very essence of the Ojude Oba Festival, an event that embodies the spirit, pride, and dignity of the Ijebu people.’
The sstatement reads:
At the heart of our grievance lies the historical context of the Ojude Oba Festival itself. Instituted as a celebration of our culture, it stands as a symbol of unity, pride, and identity for the Ijebu people. His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, has ensured that this event resonates deeply with our traditions and values. Appointing someone who does not originate from Ijebuland, like Senator Adeola, represents a dilution of our shared history. It conveys to the world that Ijebu culture can be commandeered by outsiders who lack a genuine connection to our people and traditions. This is not merely a trivial matter; it signals a troubling trend wherein our sacred practices are subjected to political opportunism.
The Ojude Oba Festival is sacred, rooted in the cultural fabric of our community. It encapsulates our communal struggles, achievements, and aspirations. Appointing Senator Adeola as Chairman is tantamount to reducing a pillar of Ijebu identity to a mere political appointment, undermining the festival’s sanctity. The strong historical narrative attached to the festival functions not only as a celebration but also as an educational moment for younger generations teaching them the values and importance of their heritage. Perpetuating any semblance of political gamesmanship in such a revered event threatens to erode the cultural sanctity that the festival has maintained over years.
In a world increasingly beset by political tokenism, the choice of Senator Adeola is emblematic of the very issues we seek to rectify within our society. It sends a dangerous message that Ijebu cultural celebrations can serve as platforms for politicians seeking favor, irrespective of their affiliations or contributions to the Ijebu narrative. This is not merely a local issue; it has broader implications on how cultural identities are represented and respected on the national stage. The Ijebu Lokan Movement decries any insinuation that our cultural events can be employed for political convenience, and we firmly stand against this encroachment upon our traditional values.
In our condemnation of this appointment, we urge the Ojude Oba Organizing Committee to undergo a profound reflection on the decision. The principles of our traditions should form the bedrock of our cultural celebrations. It is critical that the committee re-evaluates the appointment, ensuring it aligns with the foundational values of equity and cultural preservation that our Kabiyesi has continually preached. Such a course correction should not only aim to honor our past but also safeguard our future, enabling us to celebrate our identity in its truest form.
The Ijebu Lokan Movement stands resolutely committed to preserving the dignity, equity, and truth inherent in Ijebu culture. We emphasize our ability to conduct our affairs free from external influences. The legacy of the Ojude Oba Festival, and the cultural identity of the Ijebu people, must be protected from dilution by unconnected political personas. We remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine our identity or the sanctity of our cultural institutions.
We assert that the decision to appoint Senator Olamilekan Adeola as Chairman of the Ojude Oba Festival is fundamentally flawed and fails to respect the traditions and sentiments of the Ijebu people. We demand an immediate review and reversal of this unfortunate decision, restoring faith in the core values we hold dear.
Signed,
Comrade Bode Mebude
Head Information Management Team,
Ijebu Lokan Fun Itesiwaju Ijebu.
