The Dr Kayode Fayemi-led government in Ekiti State has been urged by traditional worshipers to renovate sacred shrines and other related cultural sites in the state.
They also demanded the release of part of the sacred land in Oke Igeti Ado Ekiti on which new governors lodge is located and other lands acquired by the state government.
This was part of the request from traditional religion practitioners during the presentation of certificate of registration by the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture at Cultural centre Ekiti state.
Araba of Ado Ekiti in his brief remark said, the government should acknowledge and appreciate the role of traditional institutions in enhancement and promotion of culture and tradition
Also Chief Adewale Oso, Welfare Officer, International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR ) in his submission urged the government include in their calendar a special day for celebration of Traditional festival (isese day) and declared holiday
The Araba Akoko said “Osun state is getting it right with the introduction of Isese day, Osun Festival and others , same in Ogun state with African Drum Festivals and others and Ekiti has Ogun in Ire, Esu in Ijelu, Osun in Igede among others which need to be celebrated and annually
Oba Olorisa Agbaye , Oba Adewale Jamiu Eletu in his speech said while the government is playing its role in promoting culture, traditional worshipers should also act well their own part in restoring sanity to the society
“Both Christians are Islam religion are recognized because they are united , they always speak with one voice but in our own case we are not united, we often discriminate against each other which is not good for us”
He, however, harped on unity and sanity among the traditional worshipers, “we shouldn’t allow pecuniary interest to divide us, we should be live by example and be pure as our religious preaches”. He added that those aiding and abetting criminals should stop or face the wrath of the law of the land and Olodumare”.
While presenting the certificate, Director General Council for Arts and Culture, Wale Ojo Lanre said Dr Kayode Fayemi is poised to support any group promote traditional religion, culture.
He maintained that those that are registered are now recognized by the government and will enjoy support from government and warned them not to engage in any form of violence during festivals and traditional events.
The group that got their certificate included, International Council for Ifa religions, Ogun Onire festival promotional forum, and Ijo olorisa Parapo ati Asa ile Adulawo.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
