Oyo State government has assured all sons and daughters and the Oyomesi that it will not interfere in the processes of selecting the new Alaafin of Oyo among all the candidates that have signified interest to mount the vacant stool.
The acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal gave the assurance while speaking at the grand finale of the 2022 World Sango festival celebration held at the Alaafin palace, Oyo on Saturday.
Barr. Lawal who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige hinted that while the government was quite aware that the question that was agitating the mind of every son and daughter and indeed the entire Yoruba race after the demise of late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was when would Oyo kingdom get the new Alaafin, the government, however, will neither nor influenced the selection of who becomes the king, but would rather allow the interest of the Oyo people, the interest of the kingmakers and indeed the interest of the Yoruba race during the selection processes which will soon commence prevail and taken into consideration.
Barr. Lawal added that this was necessary given the historical significance of the Oyo kingdom and her role in the traditional history of the Yoruba region and Nigeria as a whole.
While congratulating the Sango adherents and all lovers of Yoruba culture and tradition on this year’s celebration, the acting Governor promised that the government would continue to support programs that are promoting the Yoruba culture and values, especially at a time when the Yoruba values are going into extinction.
According OyoInside,The Executive Chairperson of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Olakojo enjoined the Yoruba son and daughter to intensify efforts in ensuring that the celebration of the Sango festival is sustained with a better package not only for cultural reawakening but also as a means of alternative revenue generation considering its tourism.
Mrs. Olakojo who disclosed that the festival has gained global recognition and attention to the extent that it was being celebrated in about 42 countries of the world including Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean, and so on, appreciated the organizers for sustaining the cultural heritage after the demise of late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi whose contribution and commitment was geared towards revitalizing the Yoruba cultural heritage and tradition.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Head of Oyomesi and the Basorun of Oyoland, High Chief Akinade Yusuff Ayoola said the celebration of the Sango festival is imperative. It remains one of the main references of Yoruba culture because it is a heritage with outstanding universal value, which portrays a very special chapter of human history.
Highlights of the grand finale celebration were cultural troupes performances from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, and the Ondo States, and Sango performances.
