The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has lauded the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige for his excellent contributions to the government of Oyo State under Engr Seyi Makinde led administration especially on issues affecting the Oodua Progressive Congress (OPC) in the state.
Iba Gani Adams gave the commendation in his remarks at this year Oke’badan festival celebration held at Cultural centre, Mokola, Ibadan yesterday.
He disclosed that only the Oyo State goverment has been assisting the efforts of the Oodua group among the six state governors in the entire South West region.
According to him, only Governor Seyi Makinde gave us vehicle, Amotekun personnel and other logistics to operate. Not only that, he also made me the Ambassador of Amotekun through a letter of appointment he presented to me. I expect other South West State governors to take a cue from this gesture by the Oyo State Governor if truly they are serious about improving the security architecture in their respective states.
Gov. Makinde has been doing this for us despite the fact that he is facing so many pressures like the other governors will claim but getting his attention for us was made possible because we have one of us in his government in person of Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige who is the Baameto Aare Ona Kakanfo. Hon. Ige has always been concern about the progress and welfare of our group. We are feeling his impact even before he joined the government of Gov. Makinde. There are many things before the governor and whatever he has been able to do for us was made possible because we have him (Ige) in the govt. We know you are aspiring to contest for House of Representatives election but what we are praying for you is more than this because you have done well. You have never let us! This is the pay back time for you and we are solidly behind you for whatever position you are aspiring for. We will support you to realize your ambition.” Otunba Gani Adams assured.
Speaking on the 2022 edition of the Oke’badan festival, Iba Gani Adams said it was important to improve the security architecture of the south west region by involving the stakeholders that have what it takes to tackle the menace once and for all.
He lamented that the spate of insecurity across Nigeria has greatly affected the entire country and the south west which is why the capacity of the local security needed to be strengthened for them to be able to secure the region.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Amotekun which has complemented the efforts of the conventional security apparatus and support of other security groups like the South West security stakeholders Group(SSSG) which has really turned out to be a blessing to the region.
Speaking on the significance of Oke-Ibadan festival, Otunba Adams said that the festival is being celebrated annually to remember the founding of Ibadan and show gratitude to its ancestors, adding that the cultural fiesta also has the spiritual value to attract success and prosperity to the town.
While appreciating the Governor of Oyo state Engineer Seyi Makinde, The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Ishola Balogun and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) at the event, Gani Adams noted that there was need to promote what makes Ibadan the center of modern growth and development, and also restore the glory of the ancient town by making Oke-Ibadan Festival one of the most colorful festivals in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole.
Highlight of the event was cultural display by Oyo state Cultural troupe, Oke-badan dance and Masquerade performance.
