A first-class traditional ruler in Ondo Stae, HRM Oba (Dr) Oluwole Olufaderin Adetimehin, FCIB, FCIN, Jimoko II, the Jegun Olu-Ekun of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, has called on governments at all levels to deliberately and consistently promote cultural festivals as one of the means of projecting and preserving Nigeria’s culture and tourism potentials.
Oba Adetimehin, who spoke last week during the annual Lijebu (Odun Oba) festival of Ile-Oluji KIngdom, also advised individuals and associations in the community to be actively involved in the celebration of its culture.
The month of September every year is significant for residents and indigenes of Ile-Oluji, the headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. It ushers in the popular ‘ember’ months of the year, and the famous traditional festival, the Lijebu, popularly known as Odun Oba.
The Lijebu Festival signifies the beginning of a new traditional calendar year in Ile-Oluji. There is a lot of feasting and dancing during the festival, with the King receiving gifts from indigenes of the Kingdom
This year’s Odun Oba festival was celebrated in the community with pomp and pageantry, as indigenes travelled from far and wide to rejoice with the King. Oba Adetimehin appealed to the people to live in peace and work for the development of the community.
He advised government at all levels to pay attention to the promotion of cultural festivals.
The festival allowed residents to celebrate their traditional ruler and pray for peace to reign supreme in the community.
