The 2022 Ibadan Cultural Festival begins on Sunday with a Church Service which held at St’ Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan understand the leadership of Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.
According to the Chairman of the Central Planing Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, the church service is part of the activities of the celebration and equally seek for the support of every son and daughters of Ibadan throughout the week.
In attendance were The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, Mrs Olubamiwo Adosun; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, State Commissioners and other Top Government Officials.
According to a statement made available to the Public by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted him as saying: “We have come here today to give thanks to the King of kings. No matter how much we try as mortals, nothing we try to achieve will succeed without God.
“Yes, it took us some time to install the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. If not for the challenges we faced, the Ibadan traditional system is such that the process of installation would take only one or two weeks. And when we critically looked into those challenges, we discovered that if we did not resolve them just as we have done, we will continue to experience the same challenges every time we have to install Olubadan.
“So, with your support, we have been able to put Ibadan’s traditional system back on track.”
Also, The President-General of CCII in his speech appreciated Governor Oluseyi Makinde and stated that the purpose of the Thanksgiving is to give thanks to God for the successful coronation of Olubadan of Ibadan land which was made possible through God and Engr. Oluseyi Makinde exemplary leadership.
“We have actually come here to thank God. The first is to acknowledge the fact that Ibadan is witnessing peace and tranquillity. Second is, we are feeling the grace of God in the life of our governor. Yes, this is the truth and that is why we are here in Aremo to show appreciation to God, the Highest.
“The third reason for our thanksgiving is the successful installation and presentation of office staff of office to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland without chaos. “Some have even asked how we have been able to manage to do things peacefully now in Ibadan. So, we are really happy about these developments.
“With the way things are going in Ibadan, I want to believe that after Lagos, Ibadan will be the next investment destination,” Adeaga said.
In his sermon, titled “Jesus: Man of Sorrow,” the provost of the Church, Very Revd. Adewale Adebiyi, said that Jesus suffered for the existence of mankind and the Children of God.
He charged the CCII to ensure unity among the people and work towards sustaining a peaceful and violence-free environment, most especially among the youths within the city of Ibadan.
After the Church Service was the Orekelewa Beauty Pageant which held at the Bode Amao Hall of Ibadan House had Ojeniyi Gbemisiola Timileyin crowned which was keenly contested among eight contestants.
While given his speech at the Oreke Beauty Pageant the President- General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga admonished everyone to be a good ambassador of Yoruba culture and ensure that their children acquire Western education blended with Yoruba culture, most especially a skill as he displaced his drumming & dancing skills as well.
Dignitaries presents Includes; Engr. Sunday Gbenjo who chairs alongside Mrs Yemisi Khadijat Ologunja as Person; Mrs
Ojetola.
Others Include the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Sanusi Musibau represented by Aare Alao Olalekan; Mr Jide Iyanda; Princess Oluyemisi Adeaga; Mrs Larodo, Chairperson Oreke Sub-Committee among others.
The program also featured presentation of Awards to three distinguished personalities for their contribution to the development of Ibadan land and humanity.
Alhaja Ariowolo was decorated as Tourist Ambassador; Princess Oluyemisi Adeaga as Humanitarian Ambassador & Chief Mrs Awotunde as Oreke Cultural Ambassador.