By Kehinde Aderemi
The Olushi of Owalushi Iwaro-Oka Akoko in Ondo State, Oba Stephen Ogunoye, has restated the need for the unity, cultural integration and development of the town.
He spoke in his palace when he unveiled the programmes for the annual Oka Day Festival. The monarch stated that the event had been a major cultural festival that brings sons and daughters of the town together as one big family. Oba Ogunoye maintained that the festival showcases the culture and tradition of the people of the town, as their forebears handed it on to them.
“Today’s festival is a special event because it is the first anniversary of Oka Day since I received the staff of office on July 17, as the Olushi of Owalushi Iwaro-Oka Akoko, Ondo State, after 24 years on the throne of my forefathers.
“Oka Day is like the annual New Yam Festival, where farmers, hunters and artisans display their products in order to boost the economy and social activities of the town. It also involves spiritual activity where we pray and seek unity and progress of the town from the God and our ancestors.
“It is a week-long programme with various activities, including dancing, cultural display of artefacts, visits to historical sites and homages to the traditional ruler by all the quarters that make up the town.”
One of the indigene of the town, Omoroke Olushola, said: “I am happy to be part of this year’s edition of Oka Day. This festival has been in existence for over 500 years and we have been able to sustain the fiesta as our cherished cultural identity, handed on to us by our forefathers.”
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