The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, has advised members of the Osemeji Obamoro Foundation to combine western education with traditional (Isese) training for their children, saying that such balance will give them a competitive edge in society.
He gave the advice while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Osemeji Obamoro Foundation Festival, commemorating the establishment of Ibadan and the annual ritual for the peace of the city.
The event was held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Dugbe, Ibadan.
Olatunbosun charged the host of the programme, the Araba and Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, to further strengthen unity among various traditional associations including Onifa, Olorisa, Onisango groups and the like.
He expressed delight at the growing cordial relationship among Isese groups, describing their coming together as a positive development for Yoruba heritage.
The Commissioner commended the large turnout of children at the festival, describing it as an indication that parents are determined to sustain traditional worship and prevent it from going into extinction. While stressing the importance of formal education, he referenced practitioners who have attained doctoral degrees, warning however that Western education should not alienate children from their cultural roots.
He also reiterated the forthcoming 2026 World Egungun Festival scheduled for May 1 and 2, aimed at projecting Ibadan as a gateway of entertainment.
The Araba and Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, who hosted the event said that the Osemeji Festival is distinct from other festivals because it commemorates the day Ibadan was founded.
He explained that Iyere Day, observed as part of the festival, is dedicated to warding off evil and offering prayers for the peace and prosperity of Ibadanland, its residents, and Oyo State at large.
Araba expressed delight at the cordial relationship currently existing between the government and traditional worshippers, as well as the unity among Isese worshippers during his tenure, noting that the situation was not always so in the past. He pledged to sustain the harmony and continue working towards greater cooperation.
The youths were advised to be supportive of those in positions of authority, to respectfully offer constructive advice to elders, and to strive to live in ways that will leave them remembered for positive contributions wherever they find themselves.
The Oyo State OPC New Era President, Aare Rasak Arogundade, while emphasising the importance of promoting the Osemeji Obamoro celebration, called on the government to lend full support to cultural festivals. He however pledged the support of his association to all cultural activities in Yoruba land.
Highlights of the event included the narration of the story behind the festival, performances by various traditional groups and special prayers for the peace and progress of Ibadan.
