The Olukoyi of Ikoyi in the Isokan Local Council Development Area of Osun State, Oba Yisau Oyetunji Otunla, has described the ancient Osun-Ikoyi Festival as a rally point for unity and development of the town, AMILOADED reports.
The Osun-Ikoyi Festival is an annual festival celebrated in Ikoyi town.
However, Oba Yisau Oyetunji, while speaking during a press conference preceding the annual rites of the festival at his palace on Tuesday, invited Nigerians, both at home and in Diaspora, to the grand finale of the festival slated for Sunday, October 10, 2021.
The monarch said, “Top of the reasons why this festival is indispensable to us here in Ikoyi is the unique way Osun-Ikoyi unites our people and equally development our town. People come together annually regardless of their background or religious beliefs which is a product of unity.
“Economically, we gain a lot by playing host to Osun devotees and tourists who patronize our products and services during their stay here. Equally, we are always blessed spiritually after celebrating Osun Ikoyi, so we cannot but celebrate it annually.
“The Osun Ikoyi is not different from the Osun Osogbo and the one being done at Ido Osun, it symbolizes the three places where the great river Osun crosses the road.” Oba Yisau said.
Explaining the affinity between the town and the Osun river, the monarch revealed that there was a covenant between the river and the first Olukoyi, progenitor of the town.
“Olukoyi as known by all was a warrior whose mission was to enlarge his territory and ensure that his subjects are doing fine. When he got to where we were before, he promised the river goddess to live harmoniously with her subjects too.
“That did not go without a promise of visiting her annually with sacrifices and offers and that is what we do annually. That is what we do every year and we are going several steps higher to make it the best.”
The monarch equally called on the state government to support in the promotion of the festival just as he commended the local government for support rendered over the years.
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