Osun’s security is a collective responsibility – Oyetola
Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has disclosed that the security of the State remains the collective responsibility of all and sundry, noting that every resident of the State must cooporate with the security agencies, be watchful, and report any suspicious movement to law enforcement agents.
Governor Oyetola stated this at the grand finale of the year 2022 Isese festival organised by the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Osun State Chapter (TRWASO), held in Osogbo, the State Capital.
The State helmsman who spoke through the Supervising Commissioner for Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Olalekan Badmus said, he has directed the law enforcement agencies to deal decively with the criminals trying to test his administration’s will.
He stressed further that the theme for this year’s festival, ” Ancient Yoruba Traditional Religion and Money Ritual”, is particularly apt and reminds all of the need to maintain the physical characteristics of tangible and intangible elements of our cultural heritage to ensure that Yoruba values do not diminish.
He said, “Believe your association is trying to preserve our heritage as the backbone of reinforcing a just and egalitarianism society.
“Ancient Yoruba Traditional Religion is premised on the Omoluabi virtues of hard work, honesty, discipline, piety, good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence that have ranked our State among the best in the Country. Conversely, it abhors crimes and vices such as killing, rape, money ritual, get-rich-quick syndrome that are capable of tearing out society apart.”
Governor Oyetola explained that since assumption of office, his administration has focused on the promotion and preservation of cultural and tourism potential in the State through policies that have re-ignited interest in and funding of cultural activities.
He also reiterated that the efforts of his administration to make Osun the foremost tourism destination have started yielding results as major festivals such as Osun Osogbo, Iwude-Ijesa, and Olojo as well as other festivals in towns in the State have witnessed a large turnout of tourists both from home and abroad.
Mr Oyetola, however, thanked the traditional religion worshippers, other religious bodies and NGOs for supporting his administration in the quest to win the war against banditry, kidnapping, bloodletting and other vices hindering the peace of the State.
While delivering their messages, the duo of Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Eniitan Ogunwusi who was represented by Oba Odesan Isaiah and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun who was represented by Baba Kekere of Osogbo land, Prince Suleiman Olanipekun stated that traditional religion is above every other religions.
They encouraged parents to teach their children the traditional religion from tender age to safe it from going into extinction.
In his welcome address, Osun TRWASO President, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda appreciated all well wishers for gracing this year’s Isese festival.
He stressed that this year’s festival is a different one as the association have taken it upon themselves to challenge the menace of money rituals in the society, adding that the association is dissociating true traditionalists from money ritualists.
He called on religious leaders, stakeholders in the society who truly love and obey God to outrightly condemn money ritual in Osun State.
While speaking, the Baba Olosun of Brasil, who also doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, Elias Garcia De Oliveira charged everyone to be united and love each other. While urging all and sundry to embrace traditional religion and desist from unnecessary religious crises.
He promised to do all within his power to assist the traditionalists by preaching the gospel everywhere he gets to.
Delivering the Ifa message to the people of Osun, Chief Fatona Olagunju disclosed that the State Government should be proactive in improving the economy of the state, adding that government should make sure there is steady supply of electricity as well as security of lives of Osun residents.
He further charged everyone in position of authority such as Judges, security agents to be honest in the course of their duties, stressing that they should desist from punishing the innocent people for the offenses they did not commit. He also disclosed that everyone should pray for the peace of Nigeria among others.
