The Olota of Otta – Awori Kingdom in Ado – Ota Local Government of Ogun State, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, has called on his people home and in the Diaspora to contribute towards the revival and promotion of the traditional, historical cultural values of the Ijamido stream in Ottaland because of its “healing power.”
Oba Obalenge, a Professor of Journalism, revealed that the ancient kingdom was already liaising with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect and secure the site from being swept away by advancing gully erosion in the areas bordering the stream.
He noted that the Ijamido stream was paramount to the Ota culture and the people over the years, disclosing that aside its well – known healing power and potential to serve as both tourist centre and veritable revenue source, it is what the people traditionally use to solidify contractual agreement between two or more parties on any matter of interest.
The monarch made this known to The Nation shortly after briefing newsmen in his palace at the weekend ahead of the a weeklong Omo Iganmode Cultural Festival scheduled to begin on December 16.
He recalled as one of the custodians of the Yoruba tradition and culture that his people from old also used water from the stream to fortify themselves against evil spirits.
He said: “Ijamido river is special because of its healing power. We also believe that you can use it(the water) to actually solidify any kind of covenant between two parties and we also use it to fortify ourselves against evil spirits.
“Good enough, it is a cultural site, people do visit the place, although for now it has been ravaged by erosion, we are liaising with the Presidency to ensure that we get it back to what it used to be.”
The traditional ruler identified the uniqueness of the Otta-Awori Kingdom and the kingship, saying the “Olota stool is not among those established in the ninth or tenth century as it has been existing since time immemorial, dating back to the days of Orumila, who came before Christ and visited Otta three times.
He explained that it is a kingdom that was never conquered, boasting a rich cultural heritage of which the people are very proud to associate themselves with it.
On the Iganmode festival, the monarch also advocated using the rich cultural heritage to redirect and instil in the nation’s coming generation, the values of integrity, respect, and community service, which he said, foster peace, unity and development.
This year’s festival theme is “Otta: The Beacon of Awori Heritage and Civilisation.”
According to him, the annual gathering of sons, daughters and friends of Otta – Awori Kingdom will serve as another platform to galvanize support for the kingdom’s socio-economic development.
He said, “The Odun Omo Iganmode festival embodies our commitment to preserving and promoting our values, which prioritise unity, security, and shared responsibility.
“The festival offers a platform for fostering initiatives that uplift Aworiland and Ogun State while uniting Awori sons, daughters, and friends in a collective celebration of identity.
“The contributions from our community leaders, businesses, and residents affirm our dedication to maintaining Otta as a safe, inclusive, and prosperous city where traditions are honoured, and progress is celebrated.
“As we embrace the spirit of this year’s festivities, let us take pride in our Awori identity and instil in future generations the values of integrity, respect, and community. The Odun Omo Iganmode is a call to action for us all to champion our culture and stand united against forces that threaten our peace and values.
“As we open the doors to our beloved city, may this festival inspire a renewed commitment to a proud, dignified, and harmonious Aworiland.” (naton)
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