Alaafin tasks South-West states on integrative tourism calendar

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, 111, has called on the governors of the South West states to develop an integrative Cultural- tourism calendar to stimulate and jumpstart the tourism economy on a regional level.

Oba Adeyemi made this call on Thursday while playing host to the national coordinator, Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and global convener, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Otunba Gani Adams, who led a delegation of both associations on appreciation visit to the Alaafin.

The Alaafin said ‘The South West, which was formerly,  the Western Region is a paragon of tourism potentialities if explored on regional platform will bring unprecedented fortune and stimulate tangible wealth for the region and its citizens”.

He pointed out “the governors of these states should inaugurate an integrative cultural calendar within the region to facilitate the transmission and circulation  of the tourism capital within the region”

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Otunba Adams said “We are here to express our profound gratitude to Kabiyesi, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, 111 and the entire Alaafin – in – Council for the awesome support and hospitality accorded members of OPU when we held our 3rd national conference in Oyo Alaafin. The ambience of love created, the affection displayed towards the visiting members from 74 countries of the world, the cultural lectures and lessons offered by the Kabiyesi , the presence of Kabiyesi and Alaafin – in – Council at every event  cannot be appreciated only by mere letter writing or telephone message, but by being here with powerful delegation from both the OPU and OPC”.

“I have the mandate of all the members of OPU and OPC  to specially thank Oba Adeyemi for the expository historical lecture delivered extempore on the cultural tourism ingredients’ of the Yoruba race which has served as stoker of the innate cultural gene hitherto going into obfuscation in the memories of some of the Yoruba in Diaspora.” He assured the Alaafin of the commitment of members of the OPU at defending the cultural heritage of the Yoruba in all the 74 countries, while also restating the  readiness of members of the OPC at defending the territorial and cultural   integrity of the Yoruba within the context of Nigeria.

Oba Adeyemi in his response commended Otunba Adams for not only limiting his stride at mobilising the Yoruba for cultural revival within the walls of Nigeria, but in sequential order have succeeded at raising ‘a band of Yoruba cultural revivalists in 74 countries of the world. This is awesome , commendable , impressive and worthy of praising”

The Alaafin said “It is gratifying that despite all odds and obstacles, you have not only succeeded in leading OPC beyond the boundary of 10 years, but has also ensured a phenomenal transformation of the group from the hitherto perceived gang of flotsam and jetsam group to a highly cultured, focused and vision—oriented group while also raising an impressive band of Yoruba cultural revivalists outside the countries . Oba Adeyemi called on members of OPU and OPC to be loyal to the vision and goals which their associations were planted on saying that loyalty is the key to a lasting common endeavour.

“I must also sound a note of advice that all of you should be committed to the goals and vision of your association by being loyal and steadfast with your leader. This is the only way your associations can withstand the test of time and the tide of disintegration. You are servicing   the interest of Yoruba land. You are upholding the heritage of our progenitors and in no distant time, you will reap the fruit of your labour”.