Olowu of Kuta Kingdom Charges Traditional Rulers to Promote Culture , Tradition for Unity
By John Dike
The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), in Osun State has called on traditional rulers in Nigeria to promote culture and traditions that unite the people in their respective communities.
Oba Oyelude made the call while addressing people during this year’s “Egungun Festival” in the ancient town, held on Saturday at his royal palace.
He stated that the role of traditional rulers in ensuring sustainable peace in society cannot be easily overstated. As such, traditional institutions must be respected by all, and rulers should use their position to promote culture and traditions that foster unity.
The monarch, who was highly elated, said that, as a royal father, he will continue to champion peaceful coexistence worldwide through the instrumentality of good cultures and traditions.
Oba Oyelude, who noted the urgent need for people from different cultures and backgrounds to unite, also called on people of various faiths to always promote peace through their cultural heritage.
“We must live peacefully in tolerance,” he added, emphasizing that the two major faiths, including traditional worshippers, had coexisted peacefully in ages past, and there should be no hostilities between them now.
The royal father, who congratulated the Egungun worshippers in his town for witnessing this year’s festival, described Nigeria’s annual Egungun festival as a centuries-old Yoruba tradition and one of the most colorful cultural celebrations in West and Central Africa.
He pledged his commitment to raising tourism appeal funds for the annual festival. “Yoruba culture is the most beautiful in the world. It will continue, and we traditional rulers will not allow anyone to destroy it. I am dedicating this year’s Egungun festival to all Nigerians and using this medium to urge the celebrants not to foment trouble during or after the festival.”
The colorful event saw people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, politicians, well-wishers, and residents, gather at the Olowu’s palace to celebrate the annual Egungun festival with Oba Oyelude and his Oloris.
