The Akinla of Erin-Ijesa HRH Oba Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni received the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee members at his Erin-Ijesa residence on Sunday 24th November, 2019 at about 4:00pm.
Chief Afolabi Igbaroola the Vice-chairman of the the committee presented the lineup of programs for the 2019 version of the festival to the king that is closely flanked by his Olori, he also presented the brochures of the festival for the past 3 years.
Addressing the committee members present, that also included Mr. Wale Idowu, Prince Isaac Haastrup, Madam Victoria Oluwaseun, Comrade Oluborode, Mr. Oladimeji Lasore, Mrs. Bunmi Ogunniyi and Master Tobi Omirin, the Akinla said he was surprised to receive an official invitation to attend the festival as this is the first time that such will be happening since he ascended the throne on 4th March, 2016. "it is a good development, at least now we are engaging each other." He said.
"I attended the 2016 edition out of curiosity and afterwards I kept asking myself what was I doing there because there wasn't any laid down roles for the Obas to perform. If the Iwude Ijesa festival has been rebranded to bring people together like the Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, then there should be clearcut roles for the obas to perform, they should not be mere spectators." He suggested.
He also advised the Planning Committee members to inform the members of the public through rigorous media publicity on what the rebranded Iwude Ijesa is all about.
Concluding, Oba Adeyeba Ayeni would want the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran to be more accommodating particularly in his relationship with other Ijesa obas. "I attended his 80th birthday, though he didn't invite me formally, I also attended his son's wedding recently. If Kabiyesi invites me for a dinner with him, for example, I would gladly oblige but he has never done that". He complained.
Responding, Mr. Wale Idowu, referred to the presence of the Owa Obokun at the just celebrated Egboro day in Ijebu-Ijesa as a pointer to the birth of a new dawn. He assured the Akinla that the Planning Committee will report all his observations and recommendations to the Owa Obokun as this is the reason why the Kabiyesi constituted the body.
On the rebranded Iwude Ijesa Festival, Mr. Wale Idowu said the idea is dated back to January 2008 when it was conceived to be a rallying point and homecoming for the entire Ijesa people all over the world, to once again identify with their heritage. It is also to provide another tourism offering and excitement option to visitors. The festival as a tourism product that will open Ijesaland for development and promotion of core cultural value and norms.
Aside sustaining the heritage of the people, encouraging the young generation to imbibe, preserve and promote the Iwude Ijesa festival, also created a formidable platform for the people to rally support for the development of their land for the socio-economic benefits of the people. "The position of all Ijesa Obas is the premiere focus of the festival as the reformation of the rebranded idea continues to manifest. Hence the festival is the celebration of all our Obas". Mr. Wale Idowu said.
More photos:
📷 Oladimeji Lasore
Concluding, Oba Adeyeba Ayeni would want the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran to be more accommodating particularly in his relationship with other Ijesa obas. "I attended his 80th birthday, though he didn't invite me formally, I also attended his son's wedding recently. If Kabiyesi invites me for a dinner with him, for example, I would gladly oblige but he has never done that". He complained.
Responding, Mr. Wale Idowu, referred to the presence of the Owa Obokun at the just celebrated Egboro day in Ijebu-Ijesa as a pointer to the birth of a new dawn. He assured the Akinla that the Planning Committee will report all his observations and recommendations to the Owa Obokun as this is the reason why the Kabiyesi constituted the body.
On the rebranded Iwude Ijesa Festival, Mr. Wale Idowu said the idea is dated back to January 2008 when it was conceived to be a rallying point and homecoming for the entire Ijesa people all over the world, to once again identify with their heritage. It is also to provide another tourism offering and excitement option to visitors. The festival as a tourism product that will open Ijesaland for development and promotion of core cultural value and norms.
Aside sustaining the heritage of the people, encouraging the young generation to imbibe, preserve and promote the Iwude Ijesa festival, also created a formidable platform for the people to rally support for the development of their land for the socio-economic benefits of the people. "The position of all Ijesa Obas is the premiere focus of the festival as the reformation of the rebranded idea continues to manifest. Hence the festival is the celebration of all our Obas". Mr. Wale Idowu said.
More photos:
📷 Oladimeji Lasore
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