The traditional worshippers in Oyo State have appealed to the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the establishment of Isese Pilgrimage Board to regulate the activities of religious body.
The step according to them will establish and strengthen the practice of traditional religion in the state.
They made the appeal during a thank you visit to the Oyo State House of Assembly, in appreciation of the effort of lawmakers towards the approval of August 20 as annual Iseese Day by the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the visit, the Araba Olu Iseese of Ibadan and Chairman of Araba & Oluawo of Oyo State, Chief Ifalere Odegbola, explained that the board when put in place would aid the governor’s aspirations on the culture and tourism sector of the state.
Chief Odegbola, expressed belief that the development would not only boost the state’s international relations, it will improve its internally generated revenue as well serve as a regulatory body for the traditional worshippers in the state.
Also speaking, the Aare Isese of Oyo State, Chief Omikemi Egbelade said the purpose of the Isese Day being celebrated on the 20th of August yearly was not only to promote cultural heritage but to ensure that cultural values among children and youths do not go into extinction.
He decried the situation where children have little or no knowledge about their family heritage, calling on parents, guidance and stakeholders to instill in their wards the importance of traditional history to national development
Chief Odegbola and Chief Egbelade, however, commended Governor Seyi Makinde, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and the assembly members for their supports at ensuring the annual Iseese Day see the light of the day
Secretary, Traditional Religion Worshippers Association Oyo State, Dr. fayemi Fakayode, described Isese Festival as a mean of making appeasement and supplication to the Olodumare (God) for peace and other kinds of blessings, and to rebuke any kind of misfortune in the society.
He noted that the Isese Pilgrimage Board will allow traditionalists to be included in government activities just like they are doing for other religious bodies.
He advised the worshippers of the traditional religion in the state to at every point be honest and faithful and be refraining from any kind of social vices that can tarnish the image of the religion, just as the way they have been thought in way of Orunmila to be good and refrain from evil.
He also urged all the people irrespective of religion in the state to continue to live in harmony and unity so that there will be progress and positive development in Oyo State.
