The Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege, has appealed to Ogun State Government to promote and develop various cultural sites across the state.
Oba Obalanlege said that the rich cultural heritage within Ota was being threatened by people’s indifference to their culture, citing the current poor condition of Ijamido river as an example.
The revered monarch made the appeal during the flag-off ceremony of Odun Omo Iganmode, in his palace at Ota,
He expressed concern that Ijamido river was being threatened by erosion, due to long-time abandonment and public disregard for culture and tourism, lamenting that the ecological disaster had not only endangered the lives of residents around the area but also led to displacements of some, while those still residing within its corridor risk being swept away by erosion.
He called on government to develop the monumental site which was one of the tourist attractions in the state, in order to further improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.
“Ijamido stream is going through a serious ecological disaster, as erosion has already eaten it deep. Presently, its condition is not conducive for tourist attraction. I implore the state government to promptly intervene to rescue the site and also save lives and property of those who live in the area”, he said.
The traditional ruler also pointed out that the annual Odun Omo Iganmode festival always attracts tourists from all over the world, hence the need for both the state and federal governments to harness its potential and develop it to a global standard.
Describing Ota and its environs as being blessed with monumental tourist attractions, he noted it could bring more funds to the coffers of state, if well managed.
Speaking, the Araba of Ota, Dr. Faniyi Fashola, said it was expedient for Ota indigenes both home and in the Diaspora to contribute their quota towards promoting the cultural values of the Ijamido River.
He added that Ijamido River was paramount to Ota culture which had over the years, gained popularity, disclosing that the river had healing powers and could serve as both tourist centre and revenue generation for the government.
Contributing, the Yeye Iwáṣẹ, Mrs. Iyabo Ahmed, said the stream constitutes a great historical fact about Ota land, adding that extra efforts should be put in place to restore the lost glory.
The festival paraded other exciting programmes such; as Egungun and Gelede exhibition, Hunters exhibition, Awori home coming, Gbedu dance, Osugbo prayers, visit to Ijamido stream, Aje propitiation among others during the weeklong activities while the grand finale slated for tomorrow at the Ota mini stadium.
